Western Water's Drought Response Plan

Drought Response Plan

Western Water January 2016

WATER | DROUGHT RESPONSE PLAN

Version: 1.0 Controlled Document Document Owner: Manager Asset Integrity Ref: WATER-PLAN-DROUGHT RESPONSE of 69 Uncontrolled when Printed Authorised: Board Date Authorised: January 2016

Contents

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 4

1.1 About this Document ................................................................................................... 4

1.2 Context ...................................................................................................................... 4

1.3 Drought Response Plan Scope ....................................................................................... 6

1.4 Drought Response Plan Purpose ..................................................................................... 8

1.5 Objectives of Drought Response Plan .............................................................................. 9

1.6 Structure of Drought Response Plan ............................................................................... 9

2. System Context ........................................................................................................... 11

2.1 System Description ..................................................................................................... 11

2.2 Past Drought Experience .............................................................................................. 20

3. Legal and Institutional Context ................................................................................... 29

3.1 Water Entitlements ..................................................................................................... 29

3.2 Permanent Water Savings Rules ................................................................................... 35

3.3 Water Restriction By-Laws ........................................................................................... 35

4. Drought Response Options .......................................................................................... 38

4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 38

4.2 Demand Reduction during Drought ................................................................................ 38

4.3 Supply Augmentation During Drought ............................................................................ 42

5. Drought Response Action Plan .................................................................................... 52

5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 52

5.2 Normal Operation ....................................................................................................... 53

5.3 Drought Response: Stage 1 – Stage 4 Drought Response Actions ..................................... 57

5.4 Updating Actions During Drought .................................................................................. 61

5.5 Lifting of Restrictions and Restriction Levels ................................................................... 62

6. Pre and Post Drought Evaluation ................................................................................. 62

6.1 Preparing for Drought .................................................................................................. 63

6.2 Post Drought Phase – Evaluation and Revision ................................................................ 64

6.3 Updating of the Drought Response Plan ......................................................................... 66

6.4 Knowledge Gaps ......................................................................................................... 66

7. References .................................................................................................................. 67



Table Index Table 1 Planning and Operational Objectives 9

Table 2 Rosslynne System Bulk Entitlements 30

Table 3 Romsey Bulk Entitlement Summary 31

Table 4 Lancefield Bulk Entitlement and Groundwater Licence Summary 31

Table 5 Woodend Bulk Entitlement Summary 33

Table 6 Werribee Bulk Entitlement Summary 34

Table 7 Myrniong Bulk Entitlement Summary 35

Table 8 Permanent Water Savings Rules Summary

(Source: Western Water, 2012b) 36

Table 9 Demand Reduction Options During Drought 38

Table 10 Water Restriction Demand Reduction Estimate 39

Table 11 Options for Augmenting Supply 42

Table 12 Summary of Storage Capacities 43 Table 13 Supplementary Supply Sources 43

Figure Index Figure 1 Western Water's water supply system 7

Figure 2 Merrimu Reservoir at 9.7% (Western Water, 2009) 8

Figure 3 Rosslynne Water Supply System 13

Figure 4 Gisborne Alternative Water Supply System 14

Figure 5 Romsey Water Supply System 15

Figure 6 Lancefield Water Supply System 17

Figure 7 Woodend Water Supply System 18

Figure 8 Macedon and Mt Macedon Water Supply System 19

Figure 9 Werribee and Myrniong Water Supply Systems 20

Figure 10 Regional Rainfall (Source: Melbourne Water) 22

Figure 11 Western Water Demand and Restriction Level History 22

Figure 12 Estimated Rosslynne System Inflows 24

Figure 13 Rosslynne Reservoir at 3% Capacity 24

Figure 14 Campaspe Reservoir, Woodend 26

Figure 15 Estimated Merrimu system Inflows 27

Appendices A Water Security Outlook

B Water Restriction By-Law 11/11



1. Introduction

1.1 About this Document This is the 2015 update of Western Water’s Drought Response Plan.

Western Water’s previous DRP was developed in 2005 (Western Water, 2005) and 2012. The 2015 DRP has adopted the same objectives as the previous DRP, as well as any actions that are still relevant to the current Western Water supply systems identified during the development of the Water Supply Demand Strategy.

1.2 Context

Established under the Water Act 1989, Western Region Water Corporation (trading as Western Water) is one of Victoria’s thirteen regional urban water corporations. Western Water provides water, sewerage and recycled water services to over 56,000 properties across an area of 3,000 square kilometres. The region serviced by Western Water is located to the west of Melbourne, extending from Rockbank in the south to Lancefield in the north, as shown in Figure 1.

Western Water has access to a diversified water supply, including water harvested from local catchments, groundwater, recycled water and water from the Melbourne supply system.

The region’s population has grown by 1% in the past year to exceed 160,000 and is forecast to surpass 200,000 by 2021. During 2014/15, 13,101 ML of drinking water was consumed in the region. Treatment plants received 9,030 ML of sewage and produced 7,498 ML of recycled water, of which 70% was reused.

Western Water operates under the Statement of Obligations issued under Section 4i of the Water Industry Act 1994. The purpose of the Statement of Obligations (SoO) is to clarify the obligations of Western Water. In Item 6-4, the SoO requires applicable water authorities to develop a Drought Response Plan for Urban Systems which includes:

• To develop and implement a drought response plan for each water supply system operated;

• Not rely on the Minister declaring water shortages

• Comply with guidelines issued by the Minister

• Make its drought response plans available to the public; and

• Review and if necessary amend the drought response plans at an interval of no more than 5 years or within 12 months of lifting water restrictions or any major change to water supply arrangements.

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- Reactive document to respond to periods of water shortages

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Review available supply vs customer demandLong term outlook of 50 yearsAssessment of supply augmentations options Risks and uncertainty of climate change and population growthFive year review


Reactive document to respond to periods of water shortagesGuidance documentDetails actions that can be taken (i.e. restrictions, alternative supply)Five year review

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Long term outlook of 50 yearsAssessment of supply augmentations

Risks and uncertainty of climate change and population growth Five year review


Reactive document to respond to periods of water shortages Guidance document Details actions that can be taken (i.e. restrictions, alternative supply)Five year review

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Date Authorised

shares linkages to other water resources


Review available supply vs future

Long term outlook of 50 years Assessment of supply augmentations

Risks and uncertainty of climate change

Reactive document to respond to periods of

Details actions that can be taken (i.e. restrictions, alternative supply)

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Date Authorised: January 2016

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Assessment of supply augmentations

Risks and uncertainty of climate change

Reactive document to respond to periods of

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1.3 Drought Response Plan Scope This Drought Response Plan (DRP) will be used by Western Water to guide the organisation in making decisions about appropriate actions to manage potential water shortages. As all water shortage situations are different this DRP should be used as a guide only, and adjustments should be made based on the specifics of each water shortage event.

The DRP has been developed based on the current Western Water supply systems using the information available at the time of its development. This DRP should be reviewed and updated following any significant changes to the Western Water supply system or demand and supply information.

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Figure 1 Western Water's Water Supply System (Western Water, 2011)


Western Water's Water Supply System (Western Water, 2011)

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1.4There are two main components involved in planning water supply systems water shortage, these are:

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The first of these components represents the long term planning actions that determine the level of infrastructure development required to provide an adequate supply. This long term planning is outlined in Western Water’(Western Water, 2012).

The second component relates to short term management actions that are available to Western Water to manage through periods of water shortage. This short term planning is the focus of this

A DRP is designed for use by water resource managers and provides a mechanism by which drought may be responded to systematically and rationally thereby minimising the social, economic and environmental impacts of drought. A Drought Response Plan caspects of drought response planning including pre and post drought actions, identification of supply augmentation, demand reduction options and a sequential action plan to be followed during periods of drought.

This Drought Response Plan (DRPthe principles of DRPs, as set out by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).

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1.4 Drought Response Plan PurposeThere are two main components involved in planning water supply systems water shortage, these are:

the provision of a supply system that satisfies current and future demands, ensuring that potential future shortfalls are minimised; and

ensuring that when shortfalls in supply are possible, a range of appropriate mechanisms are available.


The second component relates to short term management actions that are available to Western Water to manage through periods of water shortage. This short term planning is the focus of this


This Drought Response Plan (DRPthe principles of DRPs, as set out by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).

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Drought Response Plan PurposeThere are two main components involved in planning water supply systems water shortage, these are:




The second component relates to short term management actions that are available to Western Water to manage through periods of water shortage. This short term planning is the focus of this DRP.


This Drought Response Plan (DRPthe principles of DRPs, as set out by the Department of Sustainability and Environment

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Drought Response Plan PurposeThere are two main components involved in planning water supply systems water shortage, these are:




The second component relates to short term management actions that are available to Western Water to manage through periods of water shortage. This short term planning is

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This Drought Response Plan (DRPthe principles of DRPs, as set out by the Department of Sustainability and Environment

2 Merrimu Reservoir at 9.7% (Western Water, 2009)

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Drought Response Plan PurposeThere are two main components involved in planning water supply systems


ensuring that when shortfalls in supply are possible, a range of appropriate

The first of these components represents the long term planning actions that determine the level of infrastructure development required to provide an adequate supply. This long term planning is outlined in Western Water’



This Drought Response Plan (DRP) for Western Water has been designed to comply with the principles of DRPs, as set out by the Department of Sustainability and Environment

Merrimu Reservoir at 9.7% (Western Water, 2009)


Drought Response Plan PurposeThere are two main components involved in planning water supply systems



The first of these components represents the long term planning actions that determine the level of infrastructure development required to provide an adequate supply. This long term planning is outlined in Western Water’s Water Supply Demand Strategy 2011


A DRP is designed for use by water resource managers and provides a mechanism by which drought may be responded to systematically and rationally thereby minimising the social, economic and environmental impacts of drought. A Drought Response Plan caspects of drought response planning including pre and post drought actions, identification of supply augmentation, demand reduction options and a sequential action plan to be

) for Western Water has been designed to comply with the principles of DRPs, as set out by the Department of Sustainability and Environment


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Water Supply Demand Strategy 2011-2060


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1.5 Objectives of Drought Response Plan The major objective of this DRP is to:

“Provide for efficient and effective management of water supply to Western Water’s customers during times of water shortage”.

This strategic objective will be met whilst also meeting specific planning and operational objectives, as detailed in Table 1.

Table 1 Planning and Operational Objectives

Planning Objectives

Identify key actions that should be taken to effectively manage Western Water’s water resources during various stages of drought, including clear triggers that instigate these actions

Create a framework for regular review, as the supply system alters or as more information becomes available, both prior to and following a drought event.

Establish methods for reviewing the plan both during and following the implementation of drought response plan actions, and making adjustments where required.

Operational Objectives

Ensure that drought response actions, including water restrictions, are aligned with those for the Melbourne water supply system.

Ensure that back up drought response actions (not aligned to the Melbourne system) are available for each system to maintain minimum storage reserves under emergency conditions.

Provide clear indicators to ensure a reliable assessment of drought status can be made by Western Water.

Ensure minimum flows are maintained to meet any downstream operational commitments or environmental requirements.

1.6 Structure of Drought Response Plan

This DRP includes:

• A summary of each system, including a physical description, the current security of supply and the historic drought experience of each township (Section 2);

• The legal and institution context for drought response (Section 3);

• A review of the options for augmenting supply in each system during drought (Section 4);

• A sequential plan of action for responding to drought (Section 5); and

• Pre and post drought actions to ensure preparedness for drought (Section 6).



1.7 Water Resources Annual Operating Plan In Water Plan 3, Western Water’s objective of water resource management has been to ‘optimise’ local water use which influences how we operate our local storages including Merrimu and Rosslynne. The Annual Operating Plan (AOP) is a 1 year forward plan regarding the management of available water resources. The AOP documents operational knowledge and system forecasts to optimise water resources for:

• Water supply security • Financial implications • high quality water supply • Compliance with our Bulk Entitlements.

The AOP also details triggers to access supplementary supply, maintaining buffer levels in local storages and risk mitigation response actions. As an example, the AOP for 2015/16 has forecasted that under a Return to Dry, Dry and Very Dry climate scenario, Rosslynne Reservoir will be drawn down to the reserve buffer volume. The event then triggers supply from the Melbourne system will commence. There are close linkages between the DRP and the AOP. The AOP is a document that is associated with normal operations. The DRP is a document that should be used when drought conditions prevail.



2. System Context

2.1 System Description This Drought Response Plan for Western Water covers six main systems as follows:

Rosslynne System The Rosslynne system comprises all the Western Water urban water supply systems in the Maribyrnong Basin supplied primarily from Rosslynne Reservoir and the Melbourne Headworks system (Melbourne system). The townships included in the Rosslynne system are Sunbury, Diggers Rest, Bulla, Gisborne, Riddells Creek, Macedon and Mt Macedon. Sunbury was connected to the Melbourne system in March 2000, with Gisborne, Riddells Creek, Macedon and Mt Macedon connected in May 2004.

Romsey System The Romsey system is located in the Maribyrnong Basin, and receives most of its supply from Bolinda Creek (Kerrie Reservoir) and Main Creek (Forster and Wright Reservoirs). Romsey can also receive a supplementary supply from Rosslynne Reservoir and the Melbourne system via Wright Reservoir.

Lancefield System The Lancefield system is located within the Maribyrnong Basin, and receives supply from Garden Hut Reservoir and groundwater. Lancefield can also receive a supplementary supply from Rosslynne Reservoir and the Melbourne system via the Romsey system.

Woodend System The Woodend system is located in the Campaspe Basin, and is supplied predominantly from Campaspe Reservoir and Graham Brock Reservoir and Reservoir C on the north side of Mount Macedon. Woodend also receives a supplementary supply from transfers from the Macedon and Mt Macedon water storages . A supplementary supply from the Rosslynne system and the Melbourne system can also be fed via the Mt Macedon storages.

Merrimu System The Merrimu system comprises all the Western Water urban water supply systems in the Werribee Basin supplied from Merrimu and Djerriwarrh Reservoirs and the Melbourne system. The townships included in the Merrimu system are Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Rockbank and Toolern Vale. Melton and Bacchus Marsh were connected to the Melbourne system in April 2004.

Myrniong System The Myrniong system is supplied from Pykes Creek Reservoir, located on Pykes Creek in the Werribee catchment. Water is supplied to Myrniong from a pumping station at Pykes Creek Reservoir.

System descriptions for each of the supply systems are presented in the following sections.



2.1.1 Rosslynne System The Rosslynne system supplies the townships of Sunbury (including Diggers Rest and Bulla), Gisborne, Macedon, Mt Macedon, Riddells Creek, as well as providing supplementary supply to the township of Romsey. The system services a population of approximately 62,500 people, with an estimated current average annual demand of around 5,000 ML/year. The Rosslynne system receives supply from Rosslynne Reservoir and the Melbourne system.

Rosslynne Reservoir, located on Jackson Creek in the Maribyrnong catchment, is operated by Southern Rural Water under the constraints of the Bulk Entitlement (Maribyrnong system – Western Water) Conversion Order. The reservoir has a capacity of around 25,000 ML, of which Western Water has an 86% storage share (the remaining storage shares are held by Southern Rural Water and Melbourne Water). Passing flow from Rosslynne Reservoir is shared according to the capacity share arrangements. Water is released from Rosslynne Reservoir to meet passing flow obligations at the following locations: Jacksons Creek at Gisborne, Jacksons Creek at Sunbury, and Maribyrnong River at Keilor. The passing flow requirement at Sunbury is 1ML/day, which requires releases of up to 6ML/day from Rosslynne Reservoir.

Inflows to Western Water’s share of Rosslynne are supplemented by transfers from the Melbourne system and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system (refer Section 0).

Water supplied from Rosslynne Reservoir is treated in the Rosslynne Water Filtration Plant (WFP), with supply limited to a capacity of around 35 ML/d. Treated water from the Rosslynne WFP can be supplied to Sunbury (including Diggers Rest and Bulla), Gisborne, Macedon, Mt Macedon and Riddells Creek.

Sunbury was connected to the Melbourne system in March 2000, with Gisborne, Riddells Creek, Macedon and Mt Macedon connected in May 2004. Romsey has since been connected to the Rosslynne system, via Wright Reservoir. The pipeline from the Melbourne system has the capacity to supply at a rate of up to 35 ML/day, although this can be limited when demands on the Melbourne system are high. The Riddells Road pump station delivers Melbourne system water from Sunbury to Gisborne, Riddells Creek, Macedon, Mt Macedon and Gisborne, and has a normal operating capacity of up to 9 ML/d (or 13 ML/d if required).

Macedon and Mt Macedon have access to alternative untreated supplies from the Macedon and Mt Macedon for short term emergency use in the event of a supply system failure from the Rosslynne system. Gisborne also has access to alternative untreated supplies from the Barringo Creek system, for emergency use.

Figure 3 shows a schematic of the Rosslynne system.

2.1.2 Gisborne Emergency Supply While Gisborne now receives all its supply from Rosslynne Reservoir and the Melbourne system, it has access to an alternative untreated supply from the Barringo Creek system, for emergency use. The Barringo Creek system formerly supplied the township of Gisborne, under the Bulk Entitlement (Gisborne – Barringo Creek) Conversion Order 2004.



While water from the Barringo system can no longer be treated, raw water can be taken under the Bulk Entitlement for fire fighting purposes.

A schematic of the Barringo Creek system is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 3 Rosslynne Water Supply System

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Figure 4 Gisborne Alternative Water Supply System

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Gisborne Alternative Water Supply System



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2.1.3

Romsey is a township of annual demand of around Creek (Kerrie Reservoirto Romsey (including supply from Rosslynne Reservoir and the Melbourne system) is treated in the Romsey WFP.

While Romsey can now receive a supplementary supply from Rosslynne Reservoir and Melbourne system (via Wright Reservoir), a large part of its supply continues to be sourced from small local storages, including Kerrie, Wright and Forster Reservoirs.

Supply to Romsey has historically been from Kerrie Reservoir, an offstores inflow diverted from a weir on the upper reaches of Bolinda Creek. Kerrie Reservoir was enlarged in 1983/84 to its current capacity of 29transferred by gravity to the Glenfern Service Basin, a balancing stocapacity. 0.45ML tank. The rest of the town is supplied by gravity. The Romsey water supply system has been disinfected and treated since mid 1998.

More recwith water transferred to Kerrie Reservoir from Wright Reservoir. Under this arrangement, flow is diverted from Main Creek and stored in Forster Reservoir (18 ML capacity) and Wright Reservoir (55 ML capacity), before being pumped to Kerrie Reservoir.

A schematic of the Romsey system is shown in

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2.1.3 Romsey System



Supply to Romsey has historically been from Kerrie Reservoir, an offstores inflow diverted from a weir on the upper reaches of Bolinda Creek. Kerrie Reservoir was enlarged in 1983/84 to its current capacity of 29transferred by gravity to the Glenfern Service Basin, a balancing stocapacity. Romsey has a high level supply zone, which is served by a pump station and a 0.45ML tank. The rest of the town is supplied by gravity. The Romsey water supply system has been disinfected and treated since mid 1998.

More recently, Romsey has also received supply from the former Riddells Creek system, with water transferred to Kerrie Reservoir from Wright Reservoir. Under this arrangement, flow is diverted from Main Creek and stored in Forster Reservoir (18 ML capacity) and

ight Reservoir (55 ML capacity), before being pumped to Kerrie Reservoir.


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Romsey System



Supply to Romsey has historically been from Kerrie Reservoir, an offstores inflow diverted from a weir on the upper reaches of Bolinda Creek. Kerrie Reservoir was enlarged in 1983/84 to its current capacity of 29transferred by gravity to the Glenfern Service Basin, a balancing sto

Romsey has a high level supply zone, which is served by a pump station and a 0.45ML tank. The rest of the town is supplied by gravity. The Romsey water supply system has been disinfected and treated since mid 1998.

ently, Romsey has also received supply from the former Riddells Creek system, with water transferred to Kerrie Reservoir from Wright Reservoir. Under this arrangement, flow is diverted from Main Creek and stored in Forster Reservoir (18 ML capacity) and




Romsey System

Romsey is a township of approximately 4,annual demand of around 400 ML/year. Creek (Kerrie Reservoir) and Main Creek (Forster and Wright Reservoirs). Water supplied to Romsey (including supply from Rosslynne Reservoir and the Melbourne system) is treated in the Romsey WFP.







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approximately 4,0 ML/year. Romsey

) and Main Creek (Forster and Wright Reservoirs). Water supplied to Romsey (including supply from Rosslynne Reservoir and the Melbourne system) is







Figure 5 Romsey Water Supply System


approximately 4,700 people, with an estimated current average Romsey receives most of its supply from Bolinda







A schematic of the Romsey system is shown in Figure

Romsey Water Supply System

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00 people, with an estimated current average receives most of its supply from Bolinda



Supply to Romsey has historically been from Kerrie Reservoir, an offstores inflow diverted from a weir on the upper reaches of Bolinda Creek. Kerrie Reservoir was enlarged in 1983/84 to its current capacity of 297 ML. Water from Kerrie Reservoir is transferred by gravity to the Glenfern Service Basin, a balancing sto




Figure 5.


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Supply to Romsey has historically been from Kerrie Reservoir, an off-stream storage stores inflow diverted from a weir on the upper reaches of Bolinda Creek. Kerrie Reservoir

ML. Water from Kerrie Reservoir is transferred by gravity to the Glenfern Service Basin, a balancing storage basin of 45 ML

Romsey has a high level supply zone, which is served by a pump station and a 0.45ML tank. The rest of the town is supplied by gravity. The Romsey water supply





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stream storage stores inflow diverted from a weir on the upper reaches of Bolinda Creek. Kerrie Reservoir

ML. Water from Kerrie Reservoir is rage basin of 45 ML








While Romsey can now receive a supplementary supply from Rosslynne Reservoir and the Melbourne system (via Wright Reservoir), a large part of its supply continues to be sourced

stream storage that stores inflow diverted from a weir on the upper reaches of Bolinda Creek. Kerrie Reservoir






the Melbourne system (via Wright Reservoir), a large part of its supply continues to be sourced

that stores inflow diverted from a weir on the upper reaches of Bolinda Creek. Kerrie Reservoir






2.1.4 Lancefield System Lancefield is a township of approximately 2,300 with an estimated current average annual demand of around 200 ML. Water for the system is currently sourced from groundwater bores in conjunction with surface water diversions from Garden Hut Reservoir (45 ML capacity), on Garden Hut Creek, and a diversion weir on Monument Creek (although this diversion has not been used for many years). From Garden Hut Reservoir, water is transferred to Lancefield Basin (66 ML capacity), with a maximum transfer rate of 0.7 ML/d. From Lancefield Basin, water is treated at the Lancefield WFP, with a capacity of 2.5 ML/d, before being supplied to customers.

Groundwater supply to Lancefield is from two bores (Bores No. 2 and No. 3), located near the township. Bore No. 2 is located within the Lancefield Groundwater Management Area. Bore No. 3 was completed in February 2000 and replaced the now decommissioned Bore No. 1, which previously provided supply to Lancefield. Bore No. 2 was upgraded in 2002 to improve its construction and yield. The bores are between 42 and 60 meters deep and penetrate the local fractured basalt aquifer. In 2013 Bore 2 encountered a water quality problem and was subsequently taken out of use.

These supply sources are managed within the limits described in the existing groundwater extraction licences and the Bulk Entitlement (Lancefield) Conversion Order 2001.

In recent years, low summer flows combined with insufficient storage capacity have resulted in the increased utilisation and reliance on groundwater. Use of the groundwater is constrained by its quality, requiring blending with surface water supplies from Garden Hut Reservoir. The minimum blending rate is between 30-40% groundwater

Figure 6 shows a schematic of the Lancefield system.

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2.1.5The Woodend water supply system supports a population of approximately 5,with an estimated current average annual demand of around system receives supply from Campaspe Reservoir, on the Campaspe River, some local creeks and springs, and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system. Schematics of the Woodend system and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system

Figure

Campaspe Reservoir is operated by Western Water under the Bulk Entitlement (Woodend) Conversion Order 2004, and has a capacity of around 2Reservoir is used to supply winter and part of summer demand to Woodend. Water from Campaspe Reservoir is treated at the Marriages Basin WFP and stored in the Marriages Basin (5 ML capacity), before being supplied to Woodend. Supply WFP is limited to a capacity of around 3.5 ML/d.

Woodend also receives supply from a diversion weir on Falls Creek and from Kavanagh and Barbour Springs. Water from these sources is transferred to ML casupplement the Campaspe Reservoir supply to Woodend during summer. Under its Bulk Entitlement, Western Water also has access to diversions from Smokers Creek, although sucbore at Straws Lane is no longer operated, but may be available for emergency use.

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2.1.5 WoodendThe Woodend water supply system supports a population of approximately 5,with an estimated current average annual demand of around system receives supply from Campaspe Reservoir, on the Campaspe River, some local creeks and springs, and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system. Schematics of the Woodend system and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system

Figure 8 respectively


Woodend also receives supply from a diversion weir on Falls Creek and from Kavanagh and Barbour Springs. Water from these sources is transferred to ML capacity) and Reservoir C (75 ML capacity). Reservoirs B and C are typically used to supplement the Campaspe Reservoir supply to Woodend during summer. Under its Bulk Entitlement, Western Water also has access to diversions from Smokers Creek, although such diversions are not possible with the current supply infrastructure. A groundwater bore at Straws Lane is no longer operated, but may be available for emergency use.

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Woodend The Woodend water supply system supports a population of approximately 5,with an estimated current average annual demand of around system receives supply from Campaspe Reservoir, on the Campaspe River, some local creeks and springs, and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system. Schematics of the Woodend system and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system

respectively.


Woodend also receives supply from a diversion weir on Falls Creek and from Kavanagh and Barbour Springs. Water from these sources is transferred to

pacity) and Reservoir C (75 ML capacity). Reservoirs B and C are typically used to supplement the Campaspe Reservoir supply to Woodend during summer. Under its Bulk Entitlement, Western Water also has access to diversions from Smokers Creek, although

h diversions are not possible with the current supply infrastructure. A groundwater bore at Straws Lane is no longer operated, but may be available for emergency use.


Figure 6

The Woodend water supply system supports a population of approximately 5,with an estimated current average annual demand of around system receives supply from Campaspe Reservoir, on the Campaspe River, some local creeks and springs, and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system. Schematics of the Woodend system and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system





PONSE PLAN


6 Lancefield Water Supply System

The Woodend water supply system supports a population of approximately 5,with an estimated current average annual demand of around system receives supply from Campaspe Reservoir, on the Campaspe River, some local creeks and springs, and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system. Schematics of the Woodend system and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system






Lancefield Water Supply System

The Woodend water supply system supports a population of approximately 5,with an estimated current average annual demand of around system receives supply from Campaspe Reservoir, on the Campaspe River, some local creeks and springs, and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system. Schematics of the Woodend system and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system are presented in





Controlled Document


The Woodend water supply system supports a population of approximately 5,with an estimated current average annual demand of around system receives supply from Campaspe Reservoir, on the Campaspe River, some local creeks and springs, and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system. Schematics of the Woodend

are presented in

Campaspe Reservoir is operated by Western Water under the Bulk Entitlement (Woodend) Conversion Order 2004, and has a capacity of around 264 ML. TyReservoir is used to supply winter and part of summer demand to Woodend. Water from Campaspe Reservoir is treated at the Marriages Basin WFP and stored in the Marriages Basin (5 ML capacity), before being supplied to Woodend. Supply




Document Owner


The Woodend water supply system supports a population of approximately 5,with an estimated current average annual demand of around 500 ML/year. system receives supply from Campaspe Reservoir, on the Campaspe River, some local creeks and springs, and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system. Schematics of the Woodend

are presented in Figure

Campaspe Reservoir is operated by Western Water under the Bulk Entitlement (Woodend) ML. Typically the Campaspe

Reservoir is used to supply winter and part of summer demand to Woodend. Water from Campaspe Reservoir is treated at the Marriages Basin WFP and stored in the Marriages Basin (5 ML capacity), before being supplied to Woodend. Supply from the Marriages Basin

Woodend also receives supply from a diversion weir on Falls Creek and from Kavanagh and Barbour Springs. Water from these sources is transferred to Graham Brock Reservoir




Date Authorised

The Woodend water supply system supports a population of approximately 5,600 people, 0 ML/year. The Woodend

system receives supply from Campaspe Reservoir, on the Campaspe River, some local creeks and springs, and the Macedon and Mt Macedon system. Schematics of the Woodend

Figure 7 and

Campaspe Reservoir is operated by Western Water under the Bulk Entitlement (Woodend) pically the Campaspe

Reservoir is used to supply winter and part of summer demand to Woodend. Water from Campaspe Reservoir is treated at the Marriages Basin WFP and stored in the Marriages

from the Marriages Basin

Woodend also receives supply from a diversion weir on Falls Creek and from Kavanagh and Graham Brock Reservoir





00 people, The Woodend





Woodend also receives supply from a diversion weir on Falls Creek and from Kavanagh and Graham Brock Reservoir (28



00 people, The Woodend





Woodend also receives supply from a diversion weir on Falls Creek and from Kavanagh and 8


h diversions are not possible with the current supply infrastructure. A groundwater

WATER


Woodend also receives a supplementary supply from the former Macedon and Mt Macedon suppon Willimigongon Creek. As well as storing Willimigongon Creek inflows, Orde Hill Reservoir can receive diversions from Andersons Reservoir (Reservoirs (87 ML capacity), on Turritable Creek. Water from Orde Hill is transferred downstream to Willimigongon Reservoir (15 ML capacity), to which water can also be diverted from Gillespies Weir, on Turitable Creek. Water from Willimigongon Reservoir cbe diverted via the Link Main into Frank Mann Reservoirs can be pumped to Woodend.

WATER | DROUGHT RES


Authorised: Board

Woodend also receives a supplementary supply from the former Macedon and Mt Macedon supply system. This system comprises the Orde Hill Reservoir (250 ML capacity), located on Willimigongon Creek. As well as storing Willimigongon Creek inflows, Orde Hill Reservoir can receive diversions from Andersons Reservoir (Reservoirs (87 ML capacity), on Turritable Creek. Water from Orde Hill is transferred downstream to Willimigongon Reservoir (15 ML capacity), to which water can also be diverted from Gillespies Weir, on Turitable Creek. Water from Willimigongon Reservoir cbe diverted via the Link Main into Frank Mann Reservoirs can be pumped to Woodend.

DROUGHT RES

DROUGHT RESPONSE

Woodend also receives a supplementary supply from the former Macedon and Mt Macedon ly system. This system comprises the Orde Hill Reservoir (250 ML capacity), located

on Willimigongon Creek. As well as storing Willimigongon Creek inflows, Orde Hill Reservoir can receive diversions from Andersons Reservoir (Reservoirs (87 ML capacity), on Turritable Creek. Water from Orde Hill is transferred downstream to Willimigongon Reservoir (15 ML capacity), to which water can also be diverted from Gillespies Weir, on Turitable Creek. Water from Willimigongon Reservoir cbe diverted via the Link Main into Frank Mann Reservoirs can be pumped to Woodend.



on Willimigongon Creek. As well as storing Willimigongon Creek inflows, Orde Hill Reservoir can receive diversions from Andersons Reservoir (Reservoirs (87 ML capacity), on Turritable Creek. Water from Orde Hill is transferred downstream to Willimigongon Reservoir (15 ML capacity), to which water can also be diverted from Gillespies Weir, on Turitable Creek. Water from Willimigongon Reservoir cbe diverted via the Link Main into Frank Mann Reservoirs can be pumped to Woodend.

Figure 7

PONSE PLAN



on Willimigongon Creek. As well as storing Willimigongon Creek inflows, Orde Hill Reservoir can receive diversions from Andersons Reservoir (Reservoirs (87 ML capacity), on Turritable Creek. Water from Orde Hill is transferred downstream to Willimigongon Reservoir (15 ML capacity), to which water can also be diverted from Gillespies Weir, on Turitable Creek. Water from Willimigongon Reservoir cbe diverted via the Link Main into Graham Brock ReservoirFrank Mann Reservoirs can be pumped to Woodend.

7 Woodend Water Supply System



on Willimigongon Creek. As well as storing Willimigongon Creek inflows, Orde Hill Reservoir can receive diversions from Andersons Reservoir (Reservoirs (87 ML capacity), on Turritable Creek. Water from Orde Hill is transferred downstream to Willimigongon Reservoir (15 ML capacity), to which water can also be diverted from Gillespies Weir, on Turitable Creek. Water from Willimigongon Reservoir c

Graham Brock ReservoirFrank Mann Reservoirs can be pumped to Woodend.

Woodend Water Supply System

Controlled Document


on Willimigongon Creek. As well as storing Willimigongon Creek inflows, Orde Hill Reservoir can receive diversions from Andersons Reservoir (4.1 ML capacity) and McDonalds Reservoirs (87 ML capacity), on Turritable Creek. Water from Orde Hill is transferred downstream to Willimigongon Reservoir (15 ML capacity), to which water can also be diverted from Gillespies Weir, on Turitable Creek. Water from Willimigongon Reservoir c

Graham Brock Reservoir. Water from Kitty English and Frank Mann Reservoirs can be pumped to Woodend.


Document Owner


on Willimigongon Creek. As well as storing Willimigongon Creek inflows, Orde Hill Reservoir ML capacity) and McDonalds

Reservoirs (87 ML capacity), on Turritable Creek. Water from Orde Hill is transferred downstream to Willimigongon Reservoir (15 ML capacity), to which water can also be diverted from Gillespies Weir, on Turitable Creek. Water from Willimigongon Reservoir c

. Water from Kitty English and



Date Authorised



Reservoirs (87 ML capacity), on Turritable Creek. Water from Orde Hill is transferred downstream to Willimigongon Reservoir (15 ML capacity), to which water can also be diverted from Gillespies Weir, on Turitable Creek. Water from Willimigongon Reservoir c






Reservoirs (87 ML capacity), on Turritable Creek. Water from Orde Hill is transferred downstream to Willimigongon Reservoir (15 ML capacity), to which water can also be diverted from Gillespies Weir, on Turitable Creek. Water from Willimigongon Reservoir can




Reservoirs (87 ML capacity), on Turritable Creek. Water from Orde Hill is transferred downstream to Willimigongon Reservoir (15 ML capacity), to which water can also be

an . Water from Kitty English and



Figure 8 Macedon and Mt Macedon Water Supply System

2.1.6 Merrimu system The Merrimu system supplies the townships of Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Rockbank, and Toolern Vale. The system services a population of approximately 86,000 people, with an estimated current average annual demand of around 7,000 ML/year. The Merrimu system receives supply from Merrimu Reservoir, Djerriwarrh Reservoir and the Melbourne system.

Merrimu Reservoir, located on Pyrites Creek in the Werribee catchment, is operated by Southern Rural Water under the constraints of the Bulk Entitlement (Werribee System – Western Water) Conversion Order. In addition to supplying Western Water urban demands, Merrimu Reservoir supplies irrigation water to the Werribee Irrigation District. The reservoir has a capacity of around 32,000 ML, of which Western Water has a 60% storage share (the remaining storage shares are held by Southern Rural Water and the environment (Melbourne Water), or are unallocated).

The primary supply for the system is Merrimu Reservoir, with supplementary supply from Djerriwarrh Reservoir under some circumstances. Water use from Djerriwarrh Reservoir is constrained by quality, requiring blending with water from Merrimu Reservoir.

Water supplied from Merrimu and Djerriwarrh Reservoirs is treated in the Merrimu WFP. Treated water from the Merrimu WFP can be supplied to Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Rockbank and Toolern Vale.

The Merrimu system was connected to the Melbourne system in April 2004. The pipeline from the Melbourne system has the capacity to supply at a rate of up to 38 ML/day, although this can be limited when demands on the Melbourne system are high.



Figure 9 shows a schematic of the Merrimu system.

Figure 9 Werribee and Myrniong Water Supply Systems

2.1.7 Myrniong System Myrniong is a township of approximately 300 people, with an estimated current average annual demand of around 40 ML/year. The Myrniong system is supplied from Pykes Creek Reservoir, located on Pykes Creek in the Werribee catchment, and operated by Southern Rural Water. Water is supplied to Myrniong from a pumping station immediately downstream of Pykes Creek Reservoir, with water pumped to a small service reservoir. Water is treated at the Myrniong WFP, before being supplied to customers.

A schematic of the Myrniong system is shown in

Figure 9.

2.2 Past Drought Experience Documenting the history of drought in the Western Water systems is important in ensuring that the experience of drought is progressively incorporated into future drought planning.

In general, drought has been shown to have some of the following impacts on local communities:



• Loss of amenity for the community due to the deterioration of plants, gardens and sporting facilities;

• Financial loss to the community, incurred whilst restoring services to pre-drought conditions;

• Inconvenience to the community caused by forcing users to alter their water use practices;

• Financial loss to local businesses and agriculture;

• Stress on in-stream flora and fauna;

• Reductions in revenue for water authorities caused by restrictions on consumption; and

• Increased expenses for water authorities incurred in promoting and enforcing restrictions, additional system management and administration and providing emergency supplies.

2.2.1 Western Water Region The region serviced by Western Water is situated to the west of Melbourne. Average rainfall in the Western Water region is less than half that in Melbourne’s water supply catchments to the east and north of Melbourne. This is illustrated in Figure 10, which shows mean annual rainfall in the Melbourne region. The dry climate to the west of Melbourne, represented as orange and red areas, includes the region serviced by Western Water.

The Western Water region has a long history of drought. The lack of reliable inflows and the drought of 1967/68 led to the construction of the Rosslynne and Merrimu storages in the late 1960s and early 1970s, in order to improve the reliability of supply from the Maribyrnong and Werribee catchments. Dry conditions over the past ten years have resulted in significantly reduced inflows to Western Water’s supply systems, to the extent where local water supplies were unable to meet demand from Western Water customers. The recent extended dry period led to the connection of Western Water’s supply systems to the Melbourne system, with Sunbury connected in March 2000, Bacchus Marsh and Melton in April 2004, and Gisborne, Riddells Creek and Macedon and Mt Macedon in May 2004.

A history of recent demand and predominant restriction levels for the Western Water region is presented in

Figure 11.

WATER


2.2.2The Maribyrnong Basin has historically had highly variable rainfall and streamflow. This high variability has led to severeyears, as shown in the estimated annual inflows to the Rosslynne system presented in

WATER | DROUGHT RES


Authorised: Board

2.2.2 Rosslynne SystemThe Maribyrnong Basin has historically had highly variable rainfall and streamflow. This high variability has led to severeyears, as shown in the estimated annual inflows to the Rosslynne system presented in

DROUGHT RES

DROUGHT RESPONSE

Figure

Figure 11

Rosslynne SystemThe Maribyrnong Basin has historically had highly variable rainfall and streamflow. This high variability has led to severeyears, as shown in the estimated annual inflows to the Rosslynne system presented in


Figure 10 Regional Rainfall (S

11 Western Water Demand and Restriction Level History

Rosslynne System The Maribyrnong Basin has historically had highly variable rainfall and streamflow. This high variability has led to severeyears, as shown in the estimated annual inflows to the Rosslynne system presented in

PONSE PLAN


Regional Rainfall (S

Western Water Demand and Restriction Level History

The Maribyrnong Basin has historically had highly variable rainfall and streamflow. This high variability has led to severe droughts on a number of occasions over the past 100 years, as shown in the estimated annual inflows to the Rosslynne system presented in


Regional Rainfall (Source: Melbourne Water)


The Maribyrnong Basin has historically had highly variable rainfall and streamflow. This droughts on a number of occasions over the past 100

years, as shown in the estimated annual inflows to the Rosslynne system presented in

Controlled Document

ource: Melbourne Water)




Document Owner






Date Authorised













Figure 12 (which includes the period prior to the completion of Rosslynne Reservoir in 1971). Within the last 50 years, notable droughts have included the droughts of 1967/68, 1981/82, 1994/95 and the Millennium Drought (1998-2010).

The 1967/68 drought saw relief bores sunk in the Shire of Romsey at Riddells Creek and at Monegeetta. Although these bores have since been abandoned, a number of new bores currently exist in the area, including those that supply Lancefield and the test bore at Romsey. The drought of 1967/68 also brought hardship to the Sunbury and Gisborne areas and the Trusts of the time sank bores to try to boost their dwindling supplies. Two of these bores are still visible from the Kilmore-Gisborne Road, but they have not operated for more than 20 years and there is scant information available about them.

The drought of 1967/68 served as a trigger for the construction of the Rosslynne Storage.

In more recent times, consumers supplied from this source have been on low level restrictions through some summers. Drought again began to impact on the Maribyrnong system in the summer of 1997. Sunbury, Gisborne and Riddells Creek experienced stage 3 restrictions (of the then 8 stage policy) from October 1998 to November 2000. Macedon and Mt Macedon were not subjected to restrictions at the time as they were still utilising the independent Macedon storages system as a main supply source (for untreated water).

A water conservation campaign aimed at raising community awareness of water use and at encouraging responsible water use was implemented in the summer of 1999. The mascot used for this campaign was ‘Sammy the Snake’.

The Millennium Drought which commenced in 1998 and broke in 2010 was the most severe on record, certainly in terms of duration. Average inflows to the Rosslynne system during this period were significantly below average, as shown in Figure 12. This drought caused a number of measures to be introduced including:

• Water restrictions to Stage 4a (modified Stage 4) in most towns in the Rosslynne system;

• Construction of the supplementary supply from the Melbourne system to Sunbury, which was commissioned in March 2000;

• Construction of a pipeline between Macedon and Rosslynne, completed in June 2001;

• Commissioning of the pump station (May 2004) to deliver water sourced from the Melbourne system, surplus to Sunbury’s demands, to Gisborne, Riddells Creek, Macedon and Mt. Macedon. The delivery capacity exceeds 4ML/day.

• Intensification of the community water conservation campaign;

• Acceleration of the program for substitution of recycled water;

• Air scouring of water mains was temporarily discontinued; and

• Temporary amendments were obtained to relax some of the passing flow requirements stipulated in the Bulk Entitlements.

Although Macedon and Mt Macedon are now supplied from Rosslynne Reservoir, the operational commissioning of the pipeline connecting Sunbury to Melbourne Water's supply system in March 2000 has since eased the demand on the Rosslynne system. In addition, surplus water from the Macedon storages (Orde Hill, Willimigongon, McDonalds, Andersons, Kitty English and Frank Mann Reservoirs) can now be transferred via the Link Main

WATER


(between March and November, and based on certain flow and storage conditions) to supplement inflows to Rosslynne Reservoir.

WATER | DROUGHT RES


Authorised: Board


Figure

DROUGHT RES

DROUGHT RESPONSE


Figure

Figure 13 Rosslynne Reservoir at 3% Capacity (Western Water, 2009)



Figure 12 Estimated Rosslynne System Inflows

Rosslynne Reservoir at 3% Capacity (Western Water, 2009)

PONSE PLAN



Estimated Rosslynne System Inflows






Controlled Document

(between March and November, and based on certain flow and storage conditions) to



Document Owner





Date Authorised









2.2.3 Romsey System Restrictions in Romsey were applied in 1982/83 due to drought and in 1983/84 during the re-construction of Kerrie Reservoir. Stage 3 restrictions (of the then 8 stage policy) were applied again from April 1998 to October 1998.

In March 1991 the (then) Romsey-Lancefield Water Board saw the need to introduce Stage 3 restrictions for the Township of Lancefield. This was due to the drawdown on its surface water storages (Lancefield and Garden Hut Reservoirs) and to problems with one of its groundwater bores. On the whole, restrictions were accepted favourably, perhaps due to the prior history of water shortage in the district. Further restrictions for Lancefield were implemented in March 1992 (Stage 2) and in December 1994 (Stage 3). Bore No 2 was upgraded in 1992.

The Millennium drought, from 1998 to 2010, lead to a number of measures to be introduced in the Romsey system including:

• The emergency bore in Romsey was brought into operation from December 2002; and

• The pipeline from Wrights Reservoir to Kerrie Reservoir was commissioned in February 2003.

2.2.4 Woodend System One of the worst affected supply systems in the 1982/83 drought was Woodend. In July 1982 there was only 20 ML of water in storage in the system (about 4 weeks’ supply). Substantial effort was spent in searching for alternative supplies; bores were drilled, water was carted from local dams and extensive carting from outside the district was considered. At the end of November 1982 the (then) Trust asked for Governor in Council approval to restrict domestic supplies to 40 L per person per day with discretion to reduce this to 20 L per person per day if the situation failed to improve. The occurrence of rain deferred this decision, but later in the season the Trust was again forced to cart water to maintain supply for its customers. Records show that a total of 9,255 KL of water were carted during February and March of 1983.

The Millennium drought, from 1998 to 2010, led to the construction of a pipeline from the Macedon and Mt Macedon system to provide supplementary supply to Woodend. With Macedon and Mt Macedon demands now supplied from Rosslynne Reservoir, surplus water in the Macedon storages can also be transferred to supplement Reservoir C in the Woodend system. Water from Kitty English and Frank Mann Reservoirs can also be pumped into Reservoir C.

WATER


WATER | DROUGHT RES


Authorised: Board

DROUGHT RES

DROUGHT RESPONSE

Figure 14


14 Campaspe Reservoir, Woodend (Western Water 2009)

PONSE PLAN


Campaspe Reservoir, Woodend (Western Water 2009)



Controlled Document


Document Owner



Date Authorised




WATER


2.2.5The urban water supplies, combined with a dry period immediately post 1960, led to the construstreamflow in the Werribee Basin is illustrated in annual inflows to the of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969). Notable droughts within the past 50 years have included the droughts of 1967/68, 1981/82, 1994/95 and the Millennium Drought (1998

The Township of Melton experienced StaSeptember 1982 and September 1983. These restrictions were necessary due to a reduction in allocation of supply from Merrimu Reservoir by the (then) Rural Water Commission to 75% of the previous year’s consbeen used in the previous winter, was empty during the period of restrictions. The application of restrictions during 1982/83 appears to have worked well, with good cooperation from consumers. The progress of tdemand targets were well advertised in local newspapers at the time. Only a few complaints were recorded on file.

The Milstage 4 to be applied in the

In addition to implementation of the water conservation campaign, a number of other drought management options were considered.

•

•

WATER | DROUGHT RES


Authorised: Board

2.2.5 Merrimu systemThe Merrimu systemurban water supplies, combined with a dry period immediately post 1960, led to the construction of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969 to secure water supplies. The high variability of streamflow in the Werribee Basin is illustrated in annual inflows to the of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969). Notable droughts within the past 50 years have included the droughts of 1967/68, 1981/82, 1994/95 and the Millennium Drought (1998


Figure

The Millennium drought which commenced in 1998 caused water restrictions up to modified stage 4 to be applied in the


Following negotiation with Southern Rural Water and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the entire volume of unallocated water (4,900 ML) in Merrimu Reservoir

A total volume of 985 ML of water was purchased in 1999/2000 through a temporary transfer of water right from rural irrigators being supplied from

DROUGHT RES

DROUGHT RESPONSE

Merrimu systemMerrimu system has a long history of drought. Growing demand for agriculture and

urban water supplies, combined with a dry period immediately post 1960, led to the ction of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969 to secure water supplies. The high variability of

streamflow in the Werribee Basin is illustrated in annual inflows to the Merrimu systemof Merrimu Reservoir in 1969). Notable droughts within the past 50 years have included the droughts of 1967/68, 1981/82, 1994/95 and the Millennium Drought (1998


Figure 15 Estimated

lennium drought which commenced in 1998 caused water restrictions up to modified stage 4 to be applied in the


Following negotiation with Southern Rural Water and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the entire volume of unallocated water (4,900 ML) in Merrimu Reservoir was made available to Western Water as



Merrimu system has a long history of drought. Growing demand for agriculture and

urban water supplies, combined with a dry period immediately post 1960, led to the ction of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969 to secure water supplies. The high variability of

streamflow in the Werribee Basin is illustrated in Merrimu system

of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969). Notable droughts within the past 50 years have included the droughts of 1967/68, 1981/82, 1994/95 and the Millennium Drought (1998


Estimated

lennium drought which commenced in 1998 caused water restrictions up to modified stage 4 to be applied in the Merrimu system


Following negotiation with Southern Rural Water and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the entire volume of unallocated water (4,900 ML) in

was made available to Western Water as


PONSE PLAN


has a long history of drought. Growing demand for agriculture and urban water supplies, combined with a dry period immediately post 1960, led to the

ction of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969 to secure water supplies. The high variability of streamflow in the Werribee Basin is illustrated in

Merrimu system (whicof Merrimu Reservoir in 1969). Notable droughts within the past 50 years have included the droughts of 1967/68, 1981/82, 1994/95 and the Millennium Drought (1998

The Township of Melton experienced Stage 4 and 5 restrictions (8 stage policy) between September 1982 and September 1983. These restrictions were necessary due to a reduction in allocation of supply from Merrimu Reservoir by the (then) Rural Water Commission to 75% of the previous year’s consbeen used in the previous winter, was empty during the period of restrictions. The application of restrictions during 1982/83 appears to have worked well, with good cooperation from consumers. The progress of tdemand targets were well advertised in local newspapers at the time. Only a few complaints were recorded on file.

Estimated Merrimu system

lennium drought which commenced in 1998 caused water restrictions up to modified Merrimu system







ction of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969 to secure water supplies. The high variability of streamflow in the Werribee Basin is illustrated in

(which includes the period prior to the construction of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969). Notable droughts within the past 50 years have included the droughts of 1967/68, 1981/82, 1994/95 and the Millennium Drought (1998

ge 4 and 5 restrictions (8 stage policy) between September 1982 and September 1983. These restrictions were necessary due to a reduction in allocation of supply from Merrimu Reservoir by the (then) Rural Water Commission to 75% of the previous year’s consumption. Djerriwarrh Reservoir, which had been used in the previous winter, was empty during the period of restrictions. The application of restrictions during 1982/83 appears to have worked well, with good cooperation from consumers. The progress of the drought and details of restrictions and demand targets were well advertised in local newspapers at the time. Only a few

Merrimu system (Merrimu Reservoir) Inflows

lennium drought which commenced in 1998 caused water restrictions up to modified Merrimu system.

In addition to implementation of the water conservation campaign, a number of other drought management options were considered. The following actions were implemented:




Controlled Document


ction of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969 to secure water supplies. The high variability of streamflow in the Werribee Basin is illustrated in Figure 15

h includes the period prior to the construction of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969). Notable droughts within the past 50 years have included the droughts of 1967/68, 1981/82, 1994/95 and the Millennium Drought (1998

ge 4 and 5 restrictions (8 stage policy) between September 1982 and September 1983. These restrictions were necessary due to a reduction in allocation of supply from Merrimu Reservoir by the (then) Rural Water

umption. Djerriwarrh Reservoir, which had been used in the previous winter, was empty during the period of restrictions. The application of restrictions during 1982/83 appears to have worked well, with good co

he drought and details of restrictions and demand targets were well advertised in local newspapers at the time. Only a few

(Merrimu Reservoir) Inflows

lennium drought which commenced in 1998 caused water restrictions up to modified

In addition to implementation of the water conservation campaign, a number of other The following actions were implemented:




Document Owner


ction of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969 to secure water supplies. The high variability of 15, which presents estimated

h includes the period prior to the construction of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969). Notable droughts within the past 50 years have included the droughts of 1967/68, 1981/82, 1994/95 and the Millennium Drought (1998








was made available to Western Water as a temporary transfer.

A total volume of 985 ML of water was purchased in 1999/2000 through a temporary transfer of water right from rural irrigators being supplied from Merrimu Reservoir


Date Authorised


ction of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969 to secure water supplies. The high variability of , which presents estimated

h includes the period prior to the construction of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969). Notable droughts within the past 50 years have included the droughts of 1967/68, 1981/82, 1994/95 and the Millennium Drought (1998-2010).








a temporary transfer.

A total volume of 985 ML of water was purchased in 1999/2000 through a temporary Merrimu Reservoir





h includes the period prior to the construction of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969). Notable droughts within the past 50 years have included

2010).


umption. Djerriwarrh Reservoir, which had been used in the previous winter, was empty during the period of restrictions. The application of restrictions during 1982/83 appears to have worked well, with good co-





a temporary transfer.

A total volume of 985 ML of water was purchased in 1999/2000 through a temporary Merrimu Reservoir.



h includes the period prior to the construction of Merrimu Reservoir in 1969). Notable droughts within the past 50 years have included


umption. Djerriwarrh Reservoir, which had been used in the previous winter, was empty during the period of restrictions. The

-he drought and details of restrictions and

demand targets were well advertised in local newspapers at the time. Only a few


In addition to implementation of the water conservation campaign, a number of other


A total volume of 985 ML of water was purchased in 1999/2000 through a temporary



• Supply to the system was further supplemented with water from Djerriwarrh Reservoir, with approximately 400 ML/annum being used. This water was mixed with water from Merrimu Reservoir prior to being passed through the treatment plant.

• The pipeline connection to the Melbourne Supply system at Sydenham as a means of supplementing the Merrimu Reservoir supply to Melton and Bacchus Marsh was also implemented by April 2004. Supplies of up to 41 ML/day are drawn from this source.

The possibility of transferring water from alternative storages (including Newlyn, Colebrook and Lal Lal Reservoirs) was also investigated, but found not to be feasible and the Melbourne to Melton pipeline that was implemented does not make provision for this option. If implemented, water was to have been delivered to Ballan via existing pipelines, transferred into the Werribee River at Ballan and finally stored at Pykes Creek Reservoir. A transfer of water right involving Southern Rural Water between the Merrimu and Pykes Creek storages would then have resulted in an increase in Western Water’s capacity share of storage at Merrimu Reservoir. A primary difficulty with this alternative as a drought response measure was the lack of available water at Merrimu Reservoir to affect the water right transfer from Pykes Creek Reservoir. Difficulties associated with arranging the physical link between the alternative storages and Pykes Creek Reservoir were also identified.

The unallocated entitlement volume in Merrimu Reservoir was purchased on a temporary basis. However the absence of any significant inflow meant that Western Water’s share of storage in Merrimu (including the unallocated share) continued to draw down and had reached approximately 1,500 ML by the end of April 2004. By this time however Bacchus Marsh and Melton were able to draw their whole supply from the Melbourne system as a new connection had been commissioned. The system operates under gravity and can be boosted by pumping. The gravity supply was operational from late January 2004 and the pump station was commissioned during April 2004.



3. Legal and Institutional Context

3.1 Water Entitlements Western Water supplies water from its various sources under the provisions of the Water Act 1989. The quantity of water harvested, and the rate at which it may be taken, are governed by:

• Bulk entitlements governing surface water resources; and

• Groundwater licences governing groundwater resources.

The details of the bulk entitlements and groundwater licences held by Western Water are presented below.

3.1.1 Rosslynne System Water supplied from Rosslynne Reservoir is taken under the Bulk Entitlement (Maribyrnong – Western Water) Conversion Order 2000, while water supplied from the Melbourne system is taken under the Bulk Entitlement (Melbourne Headworks System – Western Water) Conversion Order 2010. Water transferred to Rosslynne Reservoir from the Macedon and Mt Macedon system is taken under the Bulk Entitlement (Macedon and Mount Macedon) Conversion Order 2004. Water is taken from the Barringo Creek system under the Bulk Entitlement (Gisborne – Barringo Creek) Conversion Order 2004. Summaries of the Maribyrnong, Melbourne Headworks, Macedon and Mount Macedon, and Gisborne Bulk Entitlements are presented in Table 2.



Table 2 Rosslynne System Bulk Entitlements

Bulk Entitlement Bulk Entitlement (Maribyrnong – Western Water) Conversion Order 2000

Bulk Entitlement (Maribyrnong – Western Water) Conversion Amendment Order 2006

Water Sources and Storages

Slatey Creek, Jacksons Creek, Salty Creek, Gisborne Creek; Rosslynne Reservoir

Annual Entitlement Volume

6,100 ML on average, over consecutive five year period

Daily Diversion Limit 69 ML/d

Share of Storage Capacity

86% of Rosslynne Capacity (24,670 ML at Full Supply Level)

Share of Flow 86%, after meeting passing flow requirements at Jackson Creek gauging stations (Gisborne and Sunbury)

Bulk Entitlement Bulk Entitlement (Greater Yarra System – Thomson River Pool – Western Water) Order 2014


Various catchments and the Victorian Desalination Plant, via Melbourne Water’s supply system


18,250 ML cap based on an allocation pendent on stream flows in catchments. Seasonal determination on allocation made by Melbourne Water each month. Unused allocated will be carried over into the following year, subject to storage losses.

Daily Diversion Limit None specified

Bulk Entitlement Bulk Entitlement (Macedon and Mt Macedon) Conversion Order 2004


Railway Creek, Turitable Creek, Willimigongon Creek;

Willimigongon Reservoir, Orde Hill Reservoir, Andersons Reservoir, McDonalds Reservoir, Kitty English Reservoir, Frank Mann Reservoir


873 ML in any one year and 3,225 ML in any consecutive five year period

Daily Diversion Limit 1.7 ML/d from Andersons Reservoir and McDonalds Reservoir

2.0 ML/d from Orde Hill Reservoir and Willimigongon Reservoir

2.0 ML/d from Kitty English Reservoir and Frank Mann Reservoir

0.8 ML/d from Gillespies Weir (Turritable Creek)

May to November inclusive: 5.0 ML/d from all waterways to Rosslynne Reservoir via Slatey Creek

Bulk Entitlement Bulk Entitlement (Gisborne – Barringo Creek) Conversion Order 2004


Barringo Creek; Pierce Reservoir


585 ML in any one year and 1,600 ML in any consecutive five year period



Daily Diversion Limit June to October: Max. 4 ML/d for Barringo Creek flow > 6.4 ML/d

November to May: 0 ML/d

3.1.2 Romsey System Water supplied to Romsey from Kerrie Reservoir and Wright Reservoir is taken under the Romsey Bulk Entitlement Conversion Order 2001 and Riddells Creek Bulk Entitlement Conversion Order 2001. Summaries of the Romsey and Riddells Creek Bulk Entitlements are presented in

Table 3.

Table 3 Romsey Bulk Entitlement Summary

Bulk Entitlement Bulk Entitlement (Romsey) Conversion Order 2001


Bolinda Creek; Kerrie Reservoir

Annual Entitlement Volume 460 ML + 280 ML drought reserve(1)

Daily Diversion Limit Max. 32 ML/d for Bolinda Creek flow > 35.8 ML/d

Bulk Entitlement Bulk Entitlement (Riddells Creek) Conversion Order 2001


Main Creek; Forster and Wright Reservoirs

Annual Entitlement Volume 300 ML

Daily Diversion Limit April to January: Max. 1 ML/d for Main Creek flow > 1 ML/d

February and March: 0 ML/d

Note (1): drought reserve based on unused entitlement in previous year

3.1.3 Lancefield System Water supplied from Garden Hut Reservoir and Monument Creek weir is taken under the Bulk Entitlement (Lancefield) Conversion Order 2001, with Bore No. 2 and Bore No. 3 each managed under groundwater licences from Southern Rural Water. Summaries of the Lancefield Bulk Entitlement and groundwater licences are presented in Table 4.

Table 4 Lancefield Bulk Entitlement and Groundwater Licence Summary

Bulk Entitlement Bulk Entitlement (Lancefield) Conversion Order 2001


Garden Hut Creek, Monument Creek; Garden Hut Reservoir

Annual Entitlement Volume 315 ML (299 ML from Garden Hut Reservoir; 195 ML from Monument Creek diversion weir)

Daily Diversion Limit 1.1 ML/d from Garden Hut Reservoir

0.85 ML/d from Monument Creek diversion weir



Licence Lancefield Groundwater Licences


Bore No. 2 and Bore No. 3

Annual Licence Volume Bore No. 1: 128 ML

Bore No. 2: 165.6 ML

Bore No. 3: 292.0 ML

Daily Diversion Limit Bore No. 1: 0.7 ML/d

Bore No. 2: 0.8 ML/d

Bore No. 3: 0.8 ML/d



3.1.4 Woodend System Water supplied from Campaspe Reservoir, Falls and Smokers Creeks and Kavanagh and Barbour Springs is taken under the Bulk Entitlement (Woodend) Conversion Order 2004. Water transferred to Woodend from the Macedon and Mt Macedon system is taken under the Bulk Entitlement (Macedon and Mount Macedon) Conversion Order 2004. Summaries of the Woodend and Macedon and Mount Macedon Bulk Entitlements are presented in Table 5.

Table 5 Woodend Bulk Entitlement Summary

Bulk Entitlement Bulk Entitlement (Woodend) Conversion Order 2004


Campaspe River, Falls Creek, Smokers Creek, Barbour Spring, Kavanagh Spring; Campaspe Reservoir, Graham Brock Reservoir, Reservoir C

Annual Entitlement Volume 470 ML (332 ML in total from Falls Creek, Smokers Creek, Barbour Spring and Kavanagh Spring)

Daily Diversion Limit 3.5 ML/d from Campaspe Reservoir

1.2 ML/d from Falls Creek Weir

1.2 ML/d from Smokers Creek Weir

Bulk Entitlement Bulk Entitlement (Macedon and Mt Macedon) Conversion Order 2004


Railway Creek, Turitable Creek, Willimigongon Creek;

Willimigongon Reservoir, Orde Hill Reservoir, Andersons Reservoir, McDonalds Reservoir, Kitty English Reservoir, Frank Mann Reservoir

Annual Entitlement Volume 873 ML in any one year and 3,225 ML in any consecutive five year period

Daily Diversion Limit 1.7 ML/d from Andersons Reservoir and McDonalds Reservoir

2.0 ML/d from Orde Hill Reservoir and Willimigongon Reservoir

2.0 ML/d from Kitty English Reservoir and Frank Mann Reservoir

0.8 ML/d from Gillespies Weir (Turritable Creek)

May to November inclusive: 5.0 ML/d from all waterways to Rosslynne Reservoir via Slatey Creek

3.1.5 Merrimu system

Water supplied from Merrimu and Djerriwarrh Reservoirs is taken under the Bulk Entitlement (Werribee System – Western Water) Conversion Order 2004, while water supplied from the Melbourne system is taken under the Bulk Entitlement (Melbourne



Headworks System – Western Water) Conversion Order 2010. Summaries of the Werribee and Melbourne Headworks Bulk Entitlements are presented in Table 6.

Table 6 Werribee Bulk Entitlement Summary

Bulk Entitlement Bulk Entitlement (Werribee System – Western Water) Conversion Order 2004


Pyrites Creek, Lerderderg River, Goodmans Creek, Coimadai Creek, Djerriwarrh Creek; Merrimu Reservoir and Djerriwarrh Reservoir

Annual Entitlement Volume Merrimu Reservoir: 8,500 ML Djerriwarrh Reservoir: 1,486 ML

Daily Diversion Limit Merrimu Reservoir: 83.5 ML/d Djerriwarrh Reservoir: 19 ML/d

Share of Storage Capacity 60% of Merrimu Reservoir storage capacity 100% of Djerriwarrh Reservoir storage capacity

Share of Flow 70% of Merrimu Reservoir, after meeting passing flow requirements 100% of Djerriwarrh Reservoir, after meeting passing flow requirements

Bulk Entitlement Bulk Entitlement (Greater Yarra System – Thomson River Pool – Western Water) Order 2014


Various catchments and the Victorian Desalination Plant, via Melbourne Water’s supply system

Annual Entitlement Volume 18,250 ML cap based on an allocation pendent on stream flows in catchments. Seasonal determination on allocation made by Melbourne Water each month. Unused allocated will be carried over into the following year, subject to storage losses.

Daily Diversion Limit None specified



3.1.6 Myrniong System Water supplied to Myrniong from Pykes Creek Reservoir is taken under the Bulk Entitlement (Myrniong) Conversion Order 2004, summarised in Table 7.

Table 7 Myrniong Bulk Entitlement Summary

Bulk Entitlement Bulk Entitlement (Myrniong) Conversion Order 2004


Pykes Creek; Pykes Creek Reservoir

Annual Entitlement Volume 58 ML (may be restricted by the Werribee Entitlement Holder (Southern Rural Water) under specified conditions

Daily Diversion Limit 0.47 ML/d

3.2 Permanent Water Savings Rules Western Water introduced new Permanent Water Savings Rules in its Permanent Water Savings Plan in December 2011. Permanent Water Savings Rules were legislated under the Water Act 1989. The revised Permanent Water Savings Rules consist of five simple rules, which will guide the efficient use of water on a permanent, ongoing basis. A summary of the revised Permanent Water Savings Rules is presented in Table 8. As Permanent Water Savings Rules have already been implemented by Western Water, they are not an option for further demand management during periods of drought.

3.3 Water Restriction By-Laws Mandatory water restrictions are an effective tool to manage water demand during periods of water shortages. Western Water currently has a four stage water restriction policy that is designed to restrict non-essential water uses such as garden watering and car washing. This policy is given legal effect under Water Restriction By-Law 11/11 under the Water Act 1989 (December, 2011). This By-Law is contained in 9.

Under each stage of water restrictions, various non-essential uses of water are restricted or banned. As the water restrictions levels increases so do the limits on non-essential water use. The limitations that Western Water may implement under each stage of water restrictions are detailed in Water Restriction By-Law No. 11/11.

The Melbourne Headworks Bulk Entitlement provides Western Water the option of aligning restrictions with Melbourne or accepting a restricted supply in some years. Western Water has made a decision to align its water restrictions with those for the Melbourne system, because Western Water’s reliability of supply is integrally linked to the Melbourne System and it is easier to communicate and implement restriction levels that align with Melbourne.

Western Water’s standard of service for each of its water supply systems is aligned with the service levels proposed in Melbourne’s WSDS:

Restrictions will only be implemented in Western Water systems:

- once in 20 years

WATER


Table

WATER | DROUGHT RES


Authorised: Board

- for a maximum of 1

- at a maximum level of Stage 2

- except in extreme circumstances

Table 8 Permanent Water Savings Rules Summary (Source: Western Water, 2012b)

DROUGHT RES

DROUGHT RESPONSE

for a maximum of 1

at a maximum level of Stage 2

except in extreme circumstances

Permanent Water Savings Rules Summary (Source: Western Water, 2012b)


for a maximum of 12 months duration




Residential and commercial lawns• Manual watering with a bucket or hantrigger nozzle ispermitted at any time

• Watering systems may be used between 6pm and 10am

Residential and commercial gardens• Manual watering with a bucket or handtrigger nozzle is permitted at any t• Watering systems may be used between 6pm and 10am

Public gardens and lawns• Manual watering with a bucket or handtrigger nozzle is permitted at any time• Watering systems may be used between 6pm and 10am but must be fitted with a rain or soil moisture sensor

Hard surfacesA high pressure cleaning device, a bucket or handwith a trigger nozzle may be used:• in response to an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency• to clean sta(summer, autumn, winter and spring), or• in the course of construction or renovations

Vehicles• Washing with a bucket or handnozzle is permitted at any time

PONSE PLAN


2 months duration




Residential and commercial lawns• Manual watering with a bucket or hantrigger nozzle is permitted at any time



Public gardens and lawns• Manual watering with a bucket or handtrigger nozzle is permitted at any time• Watering systems may be used between 6pm and 10am but must

ed with a rain or soil moisture sensor

Hard surfaces A high pressure cleaning device, a bucket or handwith a trigger nozzle may be used:• in response to an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency • to clean staining on a surface no more than once per season (summer, autumn, winter and spring), or• in the course of construction or renovations

Vehicles • Washing with a bucket or handnozzle is permitted at any time



Residential and commercial lawns• Manual watering with a bucket or han

permitted at any time



Public gardens and lawns• Manual watering with a bucket or handtrigger nozzle is permitted at any time• Watering systems may be used between 6pm and 10am but must


A high pressure cleaning device, a bucket or handwith a trigger nozzle may be used:• in response to an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or

ining on a surface no more than once per season (summer, autumn, winter and spring), or• in the course of construction or renovations

• Washing with a bucket or handnozzle is permitted at any time

Controlled Document


Residential and commercial lawns• Manual watering with a bucket or hand-held hose fitted with a


Residential and commercial gardens• Manual watering with a bucket or hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is permitted at any time • Watering systems may be used between 6pm and 10am

Public gardens and lawns • Manual watering with a bucket or hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is permitted at any time • Watering systems may be used between 6pm and 10am but must


A high pressure cleaning device, a bucket or handwith a trigger nozzle may be used: • in response to an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or

ining on a surface no more than once per season (summer, autumn, winter and spring), or • in the course of construction or renovations

• Washing with a bucket or hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is permitted at any time

Document Owner


Residential and commercial lawns held hose fitted with a


Residential and commercial gardens held hose fitted with a


held hose fitted with a

• Watering systems may be used between 6pm and 10am but must ed with a rain or soil moisture sensor

A high pressure cleaning device, a bucket or hand-held hose fitted

• in response to an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or

ining on a surface no more than once per season

• in the course of construction or renovations

held hose fitted with a trigger


Date Authorised







• Watering systems may be used between 6pm and 10am but must

held hose fitted


ining on a surface no more than once per season








• Watering systems may be used between 6pm and 10am but must

held hose fitted



WATER


WATER | DROUGHT RES


Authorised: Board

DROUGHT RES

DROUGHT RESPONSE


Fountains • Must recirculate water

PONSE PLAN


Fountains and water features• Must recirculate water


and water features• Must recirculate water

Controlled Document

and water features

Document Owner


Date Authorised





4. Drought Response Options

4.1 Introduction Options for responding to drought can be classified into two broad categories:

• Demand reduction – reducing the volume of water consumed; and

• Supply enhancement – increasing the volume of water available for consumption.

For the purposes of a DRP, reducing demand and enhancing supply are only related to changes achievable in the short term. For example installation or reinstatement of groundwater bores or the introduction of water restrictions are short term options that are feasible within the timeframe of a drought. The raising of storages or systemic changes in consumer patterns of consumption would not be feasible within a limited time frame and are therefore more appropriately considered as part of Western Water’s Water Supply Demand Strategy.

In this section of the DRP, potential short term demand management and supply enhancement options for Western Water are identified and evaluated.

4.2 Demand Reduction during Drought These are summarised in Table 1-5, which also includes an indication of their relative merit for Western Water systems. Each option is discussed further in the following sections.

Table 9 Demand Reduction Options During Drought

Demand Reduction Option Potential for Western Water Systems

Restrictions ü

Community awareness campaigns ü

Changed tariffs in drought û

4.2.1 Restrictions The use of restrictions is an accepted and effective option for reducing demand during drought. The main purpose of a restriction policy is to ensure the community does not run out of water and to conserve dwindling supplies during drought periods. Restriction policies should be based on achieving a balance between the need to reduce water consumption to protect available supplies during drought and community expectations of acceptable maximum restrictions, the frequency at which they occur and the amount the community is prepared to pay to avoid them. These expectations can be established by extensive community consultation.

Water restrictions are designed to predominantly impact on non-essential water uses (for example garden watering and the filling of pools) and minimise the impact on the use of water for commercial services, public health and essential residential use. Demand can be thought of as comprising two components:

• a component that can be restricted (termed the ‘restrictable’ demand); and



• a component that cannot be restricted (termed the ‘unrestrictable’ demand).

Western Water may, through its By-Law No. 11/11 under the Water Act 1989, declare water restrictions where this is deemed necessary to reduce the consumption of water within its supply systems, in order

to protect available supplies during periods of drought. This By-Law, which outlines a four stage restriction policy, with each successive stage specifying more severe water restrictions, is included in 9. This restriction policy is consistent with that applied to all regional Victorian and metropolitan supply systems.

The Melbourne Headworks Bulk Entitlement provides Western Water the option of aligning restrictions with Melbourne or accepting a restricted supply in some years. Western Water has made a decision to align its water restrictions with those for the Melbourne system, because Western Water’s reliability of supply is integrally linked to the Melbourne System and it is easier to communicate and implement restriction levels that align with Melbourne.

Table 10 summarises the expected impacts of implementing each of the four stages of water restrictions outlined in the By-Law.

The Stage 3 and Stage 4 demand reduction estimates in Table 10 are taken from the Review of Water Restrictions and PWSRs – Position Paper (VicWater, 2011). Depending on the assumed level of unrestricted (PWSR) residential demand adopted, Melbourne’s retailers have estimated a reduction in total Melbourne demand of between 6.6% and 14.1% under Stage 3 restrictions, and 13.5% and 20.4% under Stage 4 restrictions (VicWater, 2011). Western Water management believes that water efficiency behaviour has now become embedded into its customers normal water use and as such the reductions from water restrictions are likely to be at the lower end of the range estimated by the Melbourne retailers.

No estimates were made by VicWater (2011) for demand reduction under Stage 1 and Stage 2 restrictions, and these have been interpolated from the PWSR and Stage 3 estimates.

Table 10 Water Restriction Demand Reduction Estimate

Level of Restriction

Annual Demand Reduction

Basis

Stage 1 2% Interpolated between PWSR and Stage 3

Stage 2 4% Interpolated between PWSR and Stage 3

Stage 3 7% Melbourne (VicWater, 2011)

Stage 4 14% Melbourne (VicWater, 2011)

4.2.2 Community Awareness Campaigns It is important that the community is made aware of the need to conserve water, particularly during periods of drought. Recent education campaigns by Western Water, together with the promotion of Permanent Water Savings Rules, have substantially increased the level of water literacy among Western Water’s customers. Customers are



increasingly likely to implement water conservation measures voluntarily, if they are made aware of the possibility of drought before the need for restrictions.

The following are ways Western Water will increase awareness in the community:

• Publication of storage volumes and/or recent rainfall data indicating water availability on the Western Water website, in local newspapers, council newsletters, radio or television programs.

• Delivering information on water conservation methods via leaflets in water accounts, directly to letterboxes or in prominent locations (such as the town hall, general store or post office);

• Use of slogans and mascots;

• School campaigns and competitions;

Western Water has an ongoing communications strategy, which is measured by the Balance Scorecard and approved by the Board. An integral part of the communications strategy is Western Water’s education campaign, which has been designed to:

• Promote water conservation messages;

• Change community attitudes to water usage habits;

• Raise awareness that we live in a drought continent;

• Increase appreciation that water is a precious resource;

• To promote water saving messages before during and after restrictions;

• To increase customers’ confidence that Western Water is a responsible manager of their water supplies.

When restrictions are in place, Western Water aims to ensure that all customers are aware of their responsibilities during restrictions. A detailed restrictions communications strategy was developed and implemented to raise community awareness of restrictions and water conservation measures.

As part of the strategy, in order to ensure all customers are fully informed about restrictions, Western Water has:

• Devised and implemented a direct mailing program to all Western Water customers regarding restrictions. Follow up promotions to individual residents occur when restrictions are escalated/deescalated or introduced in a newly affected area.

• Regular media updates to promote water conservation message and keep customers informed of current water levels, storage volumes.

• Developed a series of customer Q&A information sheets to specifically address the different restriction issues of individual townships.

• Developed a water restrictions hotline

• Devised ‘Speakers Forum’ to present water wise message to local community groups, such as Rotary, Probus, and University of the Third Age, schools groups, etc.

• Developed a children’s water wise club to promote water conservation to our younger customers

• Worked with Councils and Schools to assist them to reduce their water usage



• Ensured website was constantly updated with latest restriction information

• Developed a comprehensive media policy and advertising campaign

• Developed a community newsletter which is mail out to customers with their water account.



4.3 Supply Augmentation During Drought In general, there is a range of options open to augment supply during drought. The feasibility of each option depends to a large extent on the size of the population, the physical characteristics of the local supply and, ultimately, on the severity of the drought. Table 11 indicates a range of augmentation options and the potential of each for the Western Water systems.

As Table 11 indicates, although potentially important in the context of overall medium to long term water resource planning, options such as rainwater collection tanks, reducing network losses, water cartage and wastewater or stormwater use have all been considered as impractical short term drought response measures for most Western Water systems. These medium to long term actions are discussed in detail in the Western Water WSDS 2011-2060. A detailed discussion of the options is presented below.

Table 11 Options for Augmenting Supply during Drought

Augmentation Option

Rosslynne System

Romsey System

Lancefield System

Woodend System

Merrimu system

Myrniong System

Groundwater û ü ü ü û û

Supplementary surface water ü ü ü ü ü ü

Transfer of water right

ü ü û û ü ü

Rainwater tanks û û û û û û

Loss reduction û û û û û û

Water cartage û ü ü ü û ü

Wastewater and/or stormwater

û û û û û û

Aquifer storage and recovery

û û û û û û

4.3.1 Rosslynne System Under the Water Act, it is now possible to transfer water rights from Southern Rural Water (SRW) and Melbourne Water to Western Water. This could be negotiated either directly with Melbourne Water and SRW, or by approaching irrigators downstream of Rosslynne. It should be noted however that, due to the relative volumes of water held by SRW, Melbourne Water and Western Water (1,110 ML, 2,344 ML and 21,216 ML respectively at full supply level), the advantages of Western Water negotiating a temporary transfer of water right are minimal.

An additional source of supply both for normal supply, but especially in drought, is from the Melbourne supply system (operated by Melbourne Water), to which Sunbury was connected in March 2000. The original agreement with Melbourne Water provided for lower cost water purchases between March and November, with the possibility of negotiating for additional supply through December to February (at a considerably increased cost). This



agreement was renegotiated to provide a uniform water cost throughout the year, and effectively there is no ceiling on the annual volume which may be purchased.

Western Water’s entitlement to the Melbourne system was again reformed in 2014 as part of the greater Disaggregation of Melbourne’s Bulk Water Management Arrangements. Where previously Western Water had access to a capped volume of 18,250 ML annually, the current entitlement is an allocation of the annual entitlement (based on available streamflow) of the 18,250 ML annual cap. This entitlement does not include access to the Victorian Desalination Plant.

While the access to the Melbourne system provides a greater source of water, repeated dry conditions would see this entitlement also under pressure. However, the connection to the Melbourne systems provides the possibility of trading for additional water from other entitlement holders in the Melbourne system.

It should be remembered that during drought, nearly all operators would be under pressure to deliver the maximum volume available to their consumers. It will therefore be difficult to buy (or transfer) large volumes of water right. Western Water experienced this problem during 1997-2000 in the Melton system.

The smaller townships of Macedon, Mt Macedon, Gisborne, and Riddells Creek have historically been supplied by their own small reservoirs and have only relatively recently been connected to Rosslynne Reservoir. With the increased security provided by the link from Melbourne to Sunbury, it is unlikely that the original supply sources of the smaller townships would be required during drought. However, in severe drought, these storages would potentially be available. It should be noted that for the Macedon storages, it is more likely that these would be needed to augment Woodend's supply or to be transferred to Rosslynne Reservoir.

Table 12 summarises the storage capacities of the smaller, operational storages in the Rosslynne system that could potentially be used for short term drought supply augmentation.

Table 12 Summary of Storage Capacities

Storage Townships Supplied Capacity (ML)

Pierce Reservoir Gisborne (emergency only) 18 (reduced capacity)

Forster Reservoir Riddells Creek (emergency only) 21

Wright Reservoir Riddells Creek (emergency only) 55

Orde Hill Reservoir Woodend via Reservoir C

Macedon (emergency only)

250

Willimigongon Reservoir Woodend via Reservoir C

Macedon (emergency only)

15

Andersons Reservoir Macedon (emergency only) 4



Storage Townships Supplied Capacity (ML)

McDonalds Reservoir Macedon (emergency only) 89

Frank Mann Reservoir Macedon (emergency only) 31

Kitty English Reservoir Macedon (emergency only) 85

TOTAL 568

It should be noted that many of these systems would have water quality problems requiring treatment at the outlet (expensive and unlikely) or boiling for consumption in the household and would require Department of Health approval. The following summarises the supply links from the smaller reservoirs to the townships they once supplied.

• Mt Macedon Township can be supplied by the Andersons and McDonalds Reservoirs. These storages have capacities of 4 ML and 89 ML respectively, with Andersons storage having the capacity to supply directly into the reticulation system or via McDonalds reservoir. This supply would be activated, for example if a fire fighting situation caused a large drop in reticulation system pressure, which would trigger automatic pressure valves and direct supply into the reticulation network zone above Douglas Road from Andersons Reservoir. A similar connection to Orde Hill Reservoir can feed the zone below Douglas Road. A diversion weir on Stoney Creek can also be used to supply consumers in the Mt Macedon system. In 1997/98 the Willimigongon Supply to lower Mt Macedon was partially decommissioned.

• Emergency supply to Macedon could come from the Kitty English Reservoir, Frank Mann storage and Orde Hill Reservoir. Under the terms of the Bulk Entitlement order for Macedon and Mt Macedon, diversions from the streams supplying the Macedon storages are limited by the capacity of the diversion and storage network.

• Emergency supply to Gisborne is available from Pierce Reservoir. This storage is filled from a gravity diversion on Barringo Creek.

• Riddells Creek was originally supplied from the Forster and Wright storages, which could again be utilised in times of drought. Diversion to the Forster and Wright Storages is from Main Creek and is subject to a maximum daily diversion rate of 1ML/day (with an annual maximum of 300ML).

Under the Water Act 1989, scope exists for transfer of bulk entitlements, water allocation transfers (temporary) or water share transfers (permanent). In the Rosslynne system, potential exists for transfer between the users of Rosslynne Reservoir:

• Western Water (urban);

• SRW irrigators; and

• Melbourne Water (environment).

The potential for use of the groundwater resource in the Rosslynne supply area is limited as groundwater salinity is generally above potable levels. At Mt Macedon, the salinity is at potable levels but bore yields are limited to 1-2L/sec.



4.3.2 Romsey The “emergency” bore in Romsey has been operational since December 2002. Western Water’s Water Supply Demand Strategy 2011-2060 has identified development of the Romsey borefield and connection to the Lancefield system as a priority supply augmentation action. The Romsey Bore licence is capped at 300 ML/year and 2.1 ML/day. The Romsey Borefield was completed in 2013 and the connection between Romsey and Lancefield in 2014. Currently the Romsey to Lancefield connection can only operate by gravity from Romsey.

Supplying Riddells Creek with water from Rosslynne Reservoir has freed up the local supply from Main Creek and this supply now has been redirected and forms part of the supply to Romsey. Since the connection of the Rosslynne system to Wrights Reservoir, Romsey is now able to receive supply (at a limited capacity) from the Rosslynne and Melbourne system.

In general, the other available surface water options, such as raising of Kerrie Reservoir, would not be suitable for implementation as short term responses to existing drought, due to the implementation times required.

During times of severe drought, it may also be possible to negotiate a temporary qualification of rights for the Romsey system Bulk Entitlement, to allow additional harvesting from Bolinda Creek. It should be noted however that this option would be subject to intense scrutiny, and is considered an option of last resort. It would also depend on sufficient flow being available in Bolinda Creek, which would be unlikely during a period of severe drought.

4.3.3 Lancefield The availability of both groundwater and surface water supply systems in Lancefield means that the security of supply to Lancefield is high, however there are currently issues with the groundwater quality that effectively limit the system yield. Western Water’s Water Supply Demand Strategy 2011-2060 has identified connection of the Lancefield and Romsey systems and upgraded treatment capacity in Romsey or Lancefield as a priority supply augmentation action. The connection between Romsey and Lancefield was completed in 2014. Currently the Romsey to Lancefield connection can only operate by gravity from Romsey. This action addressed the current water quality constraints associated with the Lancefield system, and increase operational flexibility.

Factors that could influence the security of the current Lancefield system include lack of normal seasonal recharge, over-use of the bores, over-use of adjacent bores (both options resulting in rapid depletion of the aquifer), failure of a bore and poor water quality. Records show that prolonged pumping during dry spells does cause the water table level to draw down.

Bore 2 is located in the Lancefield Groundwater Management Area (GMA) and the second bore (Bore 3) is immediately to the north of the GMA. Prior to the construction of Bore 3, Bores 1 and 2 were being pumped to their full allocation of 208 ML/year with minimal or no interference with each other. Following the construction and testing of Bore 3 in 1999, excessive interference with (drawdown of) Bore 1 was observed. Since this time Bore 1 has been decommissioned and is no longer part of the town water supply network. Bore 2 encountered water quality problems in 2013. A number of recovery options were investigated however the water quality remained poor and could not be treated. As such



the pump in Bore 2 was removed and has not been used since 2013. Appropriate infrastructure remains in place should Bore 2 be needed in the case of drought.

Groundwater allocations in the GMA are at the level of estimated sustainable yield of the aquifer (referred to as the Permissible Annual Volume) and the area has been proclaimed a Water Supply Protection Area. DSE and SRW have embarked on a program of installing monitoring bores in the GMAs. Water level monitoring (and quality monitoring) will substantially improve the understanding of the groundwater resource, including supply security.

4.3.4 Woodend Woodend currently draws upon the resources of the Campaspe, Graham Brock, Reservoir C and the Macedon Reservoirs. Whilst Campaspe, Graham Brock and Reservoir C are allocated purely to the supply of Woodend, the Macedon Storages are shared with water transfers to Rosslynne Reservoir. Water from Kitty English and Frank Mann Reservoirs, part of the former supply to Macedon, can also be pumped to Graham Brock Reservoir or Reservoir C for supply to Woodend (although is generally transferred to Rosslynne Reservoir). With the connection of Macedon and Mt Macedon to the Rosslynne system, it is also possible for water from Rosslynne Reservoir or Melbourne to be utilised to supply Woodend through the Link Main.

Under its Bulk Entitlement, Western Water also has access to diversions from Smokers and Falls Creek, although such diversions are no longer possible with the current supply infrastructure configuration. A groundwater bore at Straws Lane is no longer operated, but may be available for emergency use. The supply line that feeds Graham Brock Reservoir from Straws Lane bore, Smokers and Falls Creek is currently being used as a potable water supply to a number of customers previously on raw water. This would need to be addressed prior to utilising the above sources.

Additional emergency supply could potentially be obtained from the North Woodend Borefield. These bores were drilled at the end of the 1982/83 drought and are located in Boundary Road north of the Woodend/Lancefield Road. The bores have been tested and can supply up to 5 to 8L/sec each over short periods. The nearest bore is 1,750 metres via road from the nearest reticulation. Bore water would need treatment to remove suspended solids and iron but would be suitable for emergency purposes. There is no power near the bore site and there are currently no pumps or pipes connecting the bore to the reticulation system.

4.3.5 Merrimu system The three major storages in the Merrimu system are Merrimu and Melton Reservoirs, both of which are managed by Southern Rural Water, and Djerriwarrh Reservoir, operated by Western Water.

In addition to supplying Western Water urban demands, Merrimu Reservoir supplies irrigation water to the Werribee Irrigation District. Western Water has a 60% storage share, with the remaining storage shares held by Southern Rural Water and the environment (Melbourne Water), or unallocated.

Melton Reservoir serves the Werribee irrigators. Water to these irrigators can be supplemented from Merrimu or Pykes Creek storage if required. As Melton Reservoir is downstream of all demand centres supplied by Western Water and there is no transfer



infrastructure, it is not a feasible option for augmenting supply, particularly during drought. Western Water is commencing a pilot trial of feeding stormwater into Melton Reservoir from new subdivisions south of Melton (Toolern and Waterford). Stormwater fed into Melton Reservoir will be credited from the SRW Merrimu allocation to Western Water’s allocation into Merrimu. This process has not yet been finalised and however may be able to be turned around quickly in the drought conditions.

Djerriwarrh Reservoir is owned and operated by Western Water and was the first permanent water supply for Melton. Water quality is poor and is expensive to treat and the maximum rate of supply limited to 5-15 ML/d. For these reasons supply from the Djerriwarrh Reservoir is currently limited to approximately 5% blend at the Merrimu WFP and is used in conjunction with water from Merrimu Reservoir. Djerriwarrh Reservoir can be used for emergency supply in the event that drought, water quality issues, or maintenance works prevented supply from Merrimu Reservoir. This option was utilised during the 1997-2010 Millennium drought.

Under the Water Act 1989, scope exists for transfer of bulk entitlements, water allocation transfers (temporary) or water share transfers (permanent). In the Merrimu system, potential exists for transfer between the users of Merrimu and Pykes Creeks Reservoirs:

• Western Water (urban);

• Southern Rural Water irrigators; and

• Merrimu Reservoir unallocated share (currently managed by DELWP).

In addition to direct negotiation with the water authorities, Western Water could purchase water allocations from irrigators in the Werribee and Bacchus Marsh Irrigation Districts. Western Water successfully purchased water from downstream irrigators and was granted the unallocated portion of Merrimu (as a temporary transfer) during the Millennium drought (1997-2010). In 2003 and 2015, Western Water purchased the unallocated portion of Merrimu, as a temporary transfer.

Securing part or all of the unallocated entitlement in Merrimu Reservoir has previously been identified by Western Water as a promising option to increase yield in the Merrimu system. 10% of storage inflow and 20% of storage capacity are currently unallocated. DSE is currently in the process of determining the preferred method for allocating the unallocated entitlement in Merrimu ReservoirWestern Water’s Water Supply Demand Strategy 2011-2060 has an action to maximise its capacity and inflow share of Merrimu Reservoir.

As a response to very low inflows into Merrimu Reservoir in 2014-16 and relative high costs of water from the Melbourne system, the operating strategy in this system was to use as much as possible from Merrimu Reservoir prior to a complete change to the Melbourne system. A target of 1,000 ML in the Western Water allocation was set which allowed for emergency supply from Merrimu if the Melbourne system failed. To facilitate this target, Melton was supplied from the Melbourne system while Bacchus Marsh remained on Merrimu supply to slowly drawn the Western Water allocation down to the 1,000 ML target. This operating mode is not an ideal water resources strategy for this system and was primarily driven by the high costs of water from the Melbourne system.



An additional source of supply both for normal supply, but especially in drought, is from the Melbourne supply system (operated by Melbourne Water), to which Melton was connected in 2004.

Western Water’s entitlement to the Melbourne system was reformed in 2014 as part of the greater Disaggregation of Melbourne’s Bulk Water Management Arrangements. Where previously Western Water had access to a capped volume of 18,250 ML annually, the current entitlement is an allocation of the annual entitlement (based on available streamflow) of the 18,250 ML annual cap. This entitlement does not include access to the Victorian Desalination Plant.

While the access to the Melbourne system provides a greater source of water, repeated dry conditions would see this entitlement also under pressure. However, the connection to the Melbourne systems provides the possibility of trading for additional water from other entitlement holders in the Melbourne system.

An additional augmentation option for the Merrimu system is the importing of water from either the Central Highlands Water system or from Newlyn Reservoir. The former option would require the water to be pumped along the existing link between Lal Lal or Colebrook Reservoirs to Ballan and then into the Werribee River at Ballan. It should be noted that, at present, there is no direct link to the Werribee River and therefore, if this option were to be implemented, some connection would need to be made. The water could then be transferred to Pykes Creek Reservoir. Once in Pykes Creek Reservoir, Western Water would need to negotiate a transfer of entitlement with Southern Rural Water from Pykes Creek to

Merrimu Reservoir. During discussions in January 2000, Southern Rural Water indicated that losses of 20% would need to be deducted from any transfer from CHW to Pykes Creek Reservoir. It is important to note that this option would need to be considered early in drought planning to ensure sufficient Southern Rural Water storage in Merrimu Reservoir for transfer (a problem which arose in the Millennium Drought (1997-2010). Following the construction of the Melbourne to Melton pipeline this option has less current relevance.

Supply from Newlyn Reservoir is similar to that from the Central Highlands system except supply to Ballan would be via the Wombat pipeline, constructed in 1960. This pipeline has only been used once since construction. Some doubt therefore exists as to the potential to use this as a ready supply source. A review of the system by Southern Rural Water (in the mid 1990s) found it to be in good condition, the primary obstacle being that the transformers had been removed from the pumping stations. Some resources would also need to be allocated for testing the pipeline. Southern Rural Water also indicated that they would anticipate losses of up to 50% of volumes leaving Newlyn Reservoir.

A review of the Newlyn system by Southern Rural Water and Western Water in 1999 concluded that in addition to the condition of the infrastructure, this option would require the purchase of water right from existing entitlement holders in the Goulburn-Murray system. Given the small volume of water that was available, anticipated losses of up to



50%, the unknown condition of the infrastructure and the requirement to purchase water rights, this option was discarded.

It should be noted that although Bacchus Marsh was originally supplied via the Bacchus Marsh irrigation channels, the pump station enabling this to occur was removed in 2000. Additionally, the treatment plant treating water at Bacchus Marsh has been decommissioned due to capacity, safety and public liability issues associated with this plant.

4.3.6 Myrniong System Myrniong is currently supplied from Pykes Creek Reservoir. Pykes Creek Reservoir is used primarily for irrigation in the Bacchus Marsh district. This storage can also supply the Werribee irrigation system but generally, it is kept as full as possible for the Bacchus Marsh irrigators.

In extreme drought circumstances additional supply could be obtained by pumping the dead storage of Pykes Creek Reservoir. The current demand of Myrniong is about 40 ML/annum, so it is expected that the Pykes Creek dead storage volume (of approximately 1,005 ML) would be ample to supply urban demands in emergency situations. However, during the 1997-2010 Millennium Drought the high turbidity of the water at very low storage levels rendered the water unfit for use and water has had to be trucked into Myrniong. Other options, including connections to Ballan or Bacchus Marsh have also been investigated.

Generally in this system, groundwater offers poor potential for emergency supply as groundwater salinity is generally high and bore yields are low.



4.3.7 Options Regarded as Having Less Potential

Rainwater Tanks Rainwater tanks are generally used in isolated rural communities where no reticulated supply is available. In planning a reliable water supply, reliance cannot be placed on widespread use of tanks that are installed and operated at the discretion of householders. Rainwater tanks may, however, have some merit as a back-up supply in severe droughts. Although the installation of rainwater tanks as a drought response measure (as opposed to installation prior to the occurrence of drought) is likely to be of limited value in supplementing household supplies (the tanks would be expected to fill slowly if at all during drought), they would give owners the option of purchasing and storing carted water during very dry periods.

Loss Reduction Metered water consumption across the whole water supply system accounts for around 90% of the total treated water entering the system. The 10% non-revenue demand comprises unmetered consumption, meter error, routine flushing of mains, bursts, firefighting, illegal connections and leakage.

The individual percentages of the unmetered components cannot accurately be determined. Overall, it is expected that leakage from the system would be minor and perhaps constitute only 2% to 3% of total water consumption. The potential for loss reduction is therefore unlikely to be easily realised as an effective short term drought response action, but rather is a long term strategy.

Water Cartage The viability of water cartage as a supply option is dependent upon the size of the town and the severity of the drought. Costs have previously been estimated at around $10-$25/KL. Clearly, on a purely economic basis, this type of action is an emergency measure only.

Water cartage was used to supply parts of Woodend during the 1982-1983 drought. Records show that a total of 9,255KL were carted during February and March of 1983. Water was carted to Myrniong during the Millennium Drought (1997-2010) due to water quality problems in Pykes Creek Reservoir. Water was also carted to Romsey following technical problems at the water treatment plant. Water has also been carted to Lancefield, however this is problematic due to the difficulties encountered with access to the tanker filling positions. Trial of water cartage to Lancefield was undertaken in 2013 found that is would cost $2,300 per day to meet 30% of demand (190 KL/day).

The use of water cartage to supplement water supply to even a portion of townships the size of Melton, Sunbury and Bacchus Marsh is not feasible.

In addition to the requirements regarding water cartage set out in the By-Law (refer Section 9, Appendix B), the following provisions will also apply:

• Mobile tankers should not be filled in any supply zone, for the purpose of supplying water to customers in another supply zone where less stringent water restrictions are applicable;



• For filling of tankers in supply zones subject to stages 3 and 4 restrictions prior written approval for all tanker filling is required from Western Water who may prescribe the water source.



5. Drought Response Action Plan

5.1 Introduction This section of the DRP outlines actions that Western Water will take to monitor and respond to water shortages.

Water restrictions in the Western Water region may be required to be implemented in townships for the following reasons:

1. Melbourne Water - implements restrictions due to limited supply availability. Under the Bulk Water Supply Agreement between Melbourne Water and Western Water, Western Water must apply at least the same level of restrictions as Melbourne Water to towns that are receiving any Melbourne Headworks supply.

2. Event based - may require temporary local restrictions. Examples of events that may require restrictions are (but not limited to):

o High demand on reticulation system during bushfire events

o Water supply Infrastructure failure or constraint

o A water quality incident

o Algae blooms in water storages

o Extreme weather and continual peak demands (extreme heat wave scenario)

3. Limited local water resources

Western Water has made a decision to align its water restrictions with those for the Melbourne system, mainly due to our Customer’s exposure to Melbourne based media regarding water shortage, drought and restrictions and that our supply system is closely interconnected with the Melbourne system. However there may be times of severe water shortage when Western Water is required to impose higher level restrictions on some systems. It is therefore important that Western Water continues to monitor climatic and water supply indicators to detect the onset of drought and once this has occurred, the severity of the drought event.

This drought response action plan is divided into the following operating modes:

• Normal Operation; and

• Drought Response (Stage 1 – 4 Drought Response Actions)

5.2 Activation of the Drought Response Plan The DRP details two modes of operation, Normal Operation and Drought Response. Normal operation consists of business as usual operation of the water supply network. At this stage, the DRP is not considered to be activated.



Drought Response actions are the next level of response needed when it has become apparent that drought conditions have prevailed. This may be through a Bureau of Meteorology statement or by operational data and evidence data that drought response actions are needed to ensure security of supply. At this point time, the DRP is considered to be activated. The DRP should be activated with approval from the Managing Director.

5.3 Normal Operation Normal operation occurs when a drought event is not anticipated in the short term that will threaten the security of the region’s water supply (which typically corresponds to periods under Permanent Water Savings Rules). Under normal operation, the focus of the action plan is on climate and system monitoring, and water conservation.



5.3.1 Normal Operation Actions The following actions should be undertaken during periods of normal operation:

Normal Operation Actions

Action A1 System Status Monitoring

Monitor the following aspects of system security on a monthly basis:

• Climate trends and seasonal outlooks published by the Bureau of Meteorology;

• Storage levels;

• System inflows; and

• Water consumption and trends in water consumption behaviour.

Action A2 Promote Voluntary Water Conservation Measures

Action A3 Regular operational meetings during summer

Action A4 Pursue availability of supplementary water supplies and introduce according to Annual Operating Plan triggers

Action A1: System Status Monitoring

Monitor the following aspects of system security on a monthly basis:

• Climate trends and seasonal outlooks published by the Bureau of Meteorology;

• Storage levels;

• System inflows; and

• Water consumption and trends in water consumption behaviour.

Monitoring of the system will also occur on an annual basis (in December) using Western Water’s Water Security Outlook (refer Appendix A). The Water Security Outlook comprises a short term forecast and monitoring of supply and demand measures to identify departures from longer term supply and demand forecasts included in the Corporation’s Water Supply Demand Strategy.

Antecedent rainfall is often used as a measure or warning of drought. A drought is assumed to occur when the total rainfall for a period of three months or more is in the first decile range (the lowest 10% of recorded rainfalls). The Bureau of Meteorology has used the following definitions for severe and serious droughts:

• a severe rainfall deficiency exists for the period in question when the rainfall is among the lowest five percent of the recorded rainfalls;

• a serious rainfall deficiency exists when the rainfall lies above the lowest five percent of recorded rainfalls for the period in question but is less than the first decile value.

The Bureau of Meteorology provides information on its website (www.bom.gov.au/climate), which has the potential to assist in the preparation for drought. These include the following monthly reporting:

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate)



• Drought Statement (www.bom.gov.au/climate/drought) - highlights areas of the continent experiencing significant rainfall deficiencies during the current month and extended periods.

• Seasonal Rainfall Outlook (www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead) - provides three month forecasts of likely rainfall conditions expected over Australia;

• Monthly Weather Review (www.bom.gov.au/climate/mwr) - provides a detailed review

of Victorian weather patterns for each month including departures of temperature and rainfall from "normal".

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/drought)

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead)

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/mwr)

WATER


More detailed information on rainfall is also available from Climate Data Online, on the Bureau’s website (bom.gov.au/c

In addition to rainfall deficiencies, another early warning sign of drought is low streamflow. For streams that are gauged, low streamflow can be assessed by comparison with historical records (or through extension of the historical record ungauged systems, anecdotal evidence and observation can be used to detect low streamflow.

In addition to its seasonal rainfall outlook, the Bureau of Meteorology produces a seasonal streamflow forecast, available on i

•

Water security reports will be provided to the Board current level of consumption, water storage status and future climate predictions.

Action A2: Promote Voluntary Water Conservation Measures

The promotion of water conservation is an ongoing activity for Western Water, which will assume paclimatMelbourne system is still on Permanent Water Savings Rules, voluntary water conservation measures should be considered. At this stage, Western Water could implement an advertising campaign requesting voluntary demand reduction.

In the advertising campaign, it is important to promote the following messages about the nature of the problem:

•

•

WATER | DROUGHT RES


Authorised: Board


In addition to rainfall deficiencies, another early warning sign of drought is low streamflow. For streams that are gauged, low streamflow can be assessed by comparison with historical records (or through extension of the historical record ungauged systems, anecdotal evidence and observation can be used to detect low streamflow.


Seasonal Streamflow Forecast (www.bom.gov.au/water/ssf/index.shtml?link=1#map=vic) forecasts of likely streamflow conditions for selected regions;

ater security reports will be provided to the Board current level of consumption, water storage status and future climate predictions.


The promotion of water conservation is an ongoing activity for Western Water, which will assume particular significance if it is perceived that a drought may be impending. If climate, streamflow and storage measures indicate unseasonably dry conditions, and the Melbourne system is still on Permanent Water Savings Rules, voluntary water conservation

asures should be considered. At this stage, Western Water could implement an advertising campaign requesting voluntary demand reduction.


There has been low rainfall and streamflow in the preceding months which could affect Western Water’s ability to supply water from local sources;

The range of ways to conserve water and the availability of customer fact sheets that provide useful information on

DROUGHT RES

DROUGHT RESPONSE


In addition to rainfall deficiencies, another early warning sign of drought is low streamflow. For streams that are gauged, low streamflow can be assessed by comparison with historical records (or through extension of the historical record ungauged systems, anecdotal evidence and observation can be used to detect low


Streamflow Forecast (www.bom.gov.au/water/ssf/index.shtml?link=1#map=vic) forecasts of likely streamflow conditions for selected regions;



The promotion of water conservation is an ongoing activity for Western Water, which will rticular significance if it is perceived that a drought may be impending. If

, streamflow and storage measures indicate unseasonably dry conditions, and the Melbourne system is still on Permanent Water Savings Rules, voluntary water conservation



has been low rainfall and streamflow in the preceding months which could affect Western Water’s ability to supply water from local sources;



More detailed information on rainfall is also available from Climate Data Online, on the Bureau’s website (bom.gov.au/climate/data/).









In the advertising campaign, it is important to promote the following messages about the



PONSE PLAN


More detailed information on rainfall is also available from Climate Data Online, on the limate/data/).


In addition to its seasonal rainfall outlook, the Bureau of Meteorology produces a seasonal streamflow forecast, available on its website:









The range of ways to conserve water and the availability of customer fact sheets that this topic; and


More detailed information on rainfall is also available from Climate Data Online, on the limate/data/).


In addition to its seasonal rainfall outlook, the Bureau of Meteorology produces a seasonal ts website:

(www.bom.gov.au/water/ssf/index.shtml?link=1#map=vic) forecasts of likely streamflow conditions for selected regions;








The range of ways to conserve water and the availability of customer fact sheets that this topic; and

Controlled Document

More detailed information on rainfall is also available from Climate Data Online, on the

In addition to rainfall deficiencies, another early warning sign of drought is low streamflow. For streams that are gauged, low streamflow can be assessed by comparison with historical records (or through extension of the historical record using a rainfall/runoff model). For ungauged systems, anecdotal evidence and observation can be used to detect low

In addition to its seasonal rainfall outlook, the Bureau of Meteorology produces a seasonal

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The range of ways to conserve water and the availability of customer fact sheets that

Document Owner


In addition to rainfall deficiencies, another early warning sign of drought is low streamflow. For streams that are gauged, low streamflow can be assessed by comparison with historical

using a rainfall/runoff model). For ungauged systems, anecdotal evidence and observation can be used to detect low


(www.bom.gov.au/water/ssf/index.shtml?link=1#map=vic) - provides three month forecasts of likely streamflow conditions for selected regions;

every second monthcurrent level of consumption, water storage status and future climate predictions.









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• The encouragement of individual responsibility;

The messages should point out the following specific actions that can reduce demand on the supply system:

• reinforcement of Permanent Water Savings Rules; and

• use of water-efficient appliances.

Action A3: Regular internal operational meetings during summer

It is important that information obtained from monitoring or system forecasts is communicated to dam and water treatment plant operators. Expected changes in supply may require infrastructure preparation or maintenance and is important that these works are conducted early. Changes in supply also require advance notification to customers via local newspapers, posters and large scale mailouts.

The interconnected water supply network and relatively small storages in the northern regions means supply changes are a regular occurrence during summer.

Action A4: Pursue availability of supplementary water supplies and introduce according to Annual Operating Plan triggers

Steps should be taken to pursue the availability of supplementary water supplies, determining the most likely sources and the barriers to their availability. Readily accessible supplementary supply sources should be considered at this stage (such as the use of water from Djerriwarrh Reservoir). It would also be worth considering the economics of transferring water from the rural sector (i.e. irrigation water) to the urban sector (either on a temporary or permanent basis via trading). Western Water’s Water Resources Annual Operating Plan (AOP) details when relevant supplementary supply sources should be enacted in comparison to storage levels.

Table 13 Supplementary supply sources

System Supplementary Supply Source

Rosslynne Macedon Storages

Pierce Reservoir (non-potable)

Romsey

Romsey Borefield and emergency bore

Foster and Wright

Rosslynne or Melbourne system

Lancefield

Bore 2 & 3

Kerrie Reservoir

Monument Creek

Woodend

Rosslynne or Melbourne system

Straws Lane Bore

Falls and Smokers Creek

Merrimu Djerriwarrh Reservoir

Myrniong Water carting



5.4 Drought Response: Stage 1 – Stage 4 Drought Response Actions

5.4.1 Drought Response Triggers As drought becomes progressively worse it is important to have measures to assess when different actions are required. To assist in this process, drought response triggers have been developed. The trigger used depends to a large extent on the type of system: triggers for surface water supply systems are typically based on the level of water in storage or the flows in the supply waterway.

As discussed above, Western Water has made a decision to align its water restrictions with those for the Melbourne system.

Emphasis will be placed on monitoring systems on an on-going basis via monthly monitoring and the annual water security outlook, to enable more timely response to potential supply shortfalls, particularly on those systems not directly connected to the Melbourne Headworks supply.

The following describes each of the progressive drought response actions that may be applied as a drought worsens. The need for drought response action as describe below requires the DRP to be activated in accordance with Section 5.2. Once the DRP has been activated, water security monitoring will be increased as required.

5.4.2 Stage 1 and 2 Drought Response Actions The following actions should be undertaken during Stage 1 and Stage 2 drought response:

Stage 1 and 2 Drought Response Actions

Action B1 Introduction of Stage 1 and 2 urban restrictions in accordance with Melbourne system

Action B1: Introduction of Stage 1 and 2 Urban Restrictions in accordance with Melbourne system

Implementation of restrictions for drought response Stages 1 to 2 should be in accordance with Melbourne system restrictions. Throughout these stages of restriction, consumers should be updated on drought status and kept aware of likely future scenarios. This can be achieved with regular articles in local newspapers and with reports on rates of water consumption and graphs of the state of the volume in storage.



A summary sheet of what each restriction is and how consumers will be affected by each successive stage of restriction will be used to take some of the apprehension out of future restrictions for consumers. This information may be printed in local newspapers or distributed to customers via direct mail, and published on Western Water’s website. This information should be distributed after any stage of restriction is introduced.

5.4.3 Stage 3 Drought Response Actions The following actions should be undertaken during Stage 3 drought response:

Stage 3 Drought Response Actions

Action B2 Introduction of Stage 3 urban restrictions in accordance with Melbourne system

Action B3: Introduction of Stage 3 Urban Restrictions Implementation of Stage 3 restrictions for drought response should be in accordance with Melbourne system restrictions.

A noticeable reduction in total demand is expected following the implementation of Stage 3 restrictions (refer Table 10). The media campaign should continue as per Action B2. Forecasts should also be made available on the Western Water website and in the local newspapers, and consumers could be made aware of how the restrictions are reducing consumption.

At this stage of restriction, it is likely that there will be major inconvenience to consumers and Western Water should make a public statement on the seriousness of what may lie ahead. One way that Western Water shows the gravity of the situation is to prosecute offenders who violate restriction policy rules and to ensure that the prosecutions are given media attention.

5.4.4 Stage 4 Drought Response Actions To postpone the requirement to enter Stage 4 restrictions independent of Melbourne Water, Western Water has identified five supply actions and augmentations that may be undertaken when local storages fall to limited volumes. These five actions should be scheduled according to forward planning considerations based on water resources availability and forecasting.

Action B5 firstly calls for indirect supply of Melbourne Headworks BE via existing transfer infrastructure to supplement the surface and groundwater supplies at Woodend, Romsey and Rosslynne storages. Secondly, actions B6, B7 and B8 require the upgrade of existing infrastructure and/or the construction of new infrastructure.

The following actions should be undertaken during Stage 4 drought response:

Stage 4 Drought Response Actions

Action B3 Upgrade Melbourne Headworks BE transfer infrastructure. Upgrades may also be necessary at key transfer infrastructure to the northern region systems

Action B4 Construct pipeline from Merrimu WFP to Merrimu



Reservoir


Action B3: Upgrade Melbourne Headworks BE transfer infrastructure. Upgrades may also be necessary at key transfer infrastructure to the northern region systems

Western Water receives water from the Melbourne Headworks system via Loemans Rd Pump Station (Sunbury/Macedon Ranges) and Hillside Pump Station (Melton/Bacchus Marsh). This system has been designed to operate in conjunction with local supply infrastructure to meet peak day demand. Should local supply become unavailable, meeting peak day demand would require transfer infrastructure to be upgraded. Increased access to the Melbourne BE may also need to be negotiated.

Action B4: Construct pipeline from Merrimu WFP to Merrimu Reservoir

Melbourne Headworks BE can be supplied to Bacchus Marsh and Melton however peak day demand is met by utilising local supply and Melbourne Headworks BE. A transfer pipeline could be constructed from Merrimu WFP to Merrimu Reservoir. During days of average demand, Melbourne Headworks BE could be transferred and stored in Merrimu Reservoir. During days of peak day demand, Melton and Bacchus Marsh could be supplied from both the Melbourne Headworks BE and Merrimu WFP.

Action B5: Introduction of Stage 4 Urban Restrictions in accordance with Melbourne system Implementation of Stage 4 restrictions for drought response should be in accordance Melbourne system restrictions.

At this stage of a drought, all water use should be restricted to essential functions only. Managing usage during such extreme conditions will require consideration of prosecution of those who breach restrictions and installation of restricting devices on their meters.

5.4.5 Emergency Response Actions The following actions should be undertaken during emergency drought response:

Emergency Response Actions

Action B6 Introduction of Emergency Measures

Action B6: Introduction of Emergency Measures In very extreme events emergency measures may have to be implemented. In this instance, an extreme event is classified as an event that occurs quickly that requires a short term response to maintain water supply. Examples of extreme events may be critical water supply infrastructure failure (large transfer main, treatment plant, water tank or water pumping station), algae bloom or bush fire. For this system restrictions would be increased so that a minimum delivery of 60 L/p/d would be supplied to all residential consumers. This minimum complies with health regulation standards.

It is unlikely under a prolonged drought would be the sole cause for the introduction of emergency measures as demand management or augmentation options would be in place



before this stage. It is more likely that a prolonged drought and an infrasturue failure would cause emergency measures.

The implementation of emergency measures is outside the current Western Water restriction By-Law and therefore would require Ministerial approval.

Normal Operations

Action A1 System Status Monitoring

Action A2 Promote voluntary water conservation measures

Action A3 Regular internal operational meetings during summer

Action A4 Pursue availability of supplementary supplies and introduce according to Annual Operating Plan triggers

Drought response triggers

Action B1 Introduce Stage 1 – 2 urban restrictions in accordance with Melbourne system


Action B3 Upgrade Melbourne Headworks BE transfer infrastructure. Upgrades may also be necessary at key transfer infrastructure to the northern region systems

Action B4 Construct pipeline to connect Melbourne Headworks to Merrimu Reservoir

Action B5 Introduction of Stage 4 urban restriction in accordance with Melbourne system

Emergency Response Actions

Action B6 Introduction of Emergency Measures

5.5 Updating Actions During Drought The current drought response actions are based on the best information available. However, it is possible that the impacts of the various response measures proposed will be different than expected. Western Water will therefore require an efficient and flexible drought management team to be able to decide on the appropriate action, implement it and assess its effectiveness. Additionally, whilst the DRP as written provides a framework for making decisions, it may need to be adjusted as a drought develops and more information becomes available.

As drought conditions develop the effectiveness of drought actions needs to be closely monitored. As a minimum, the monitoring data summarised in Section 5.3 should be assessed.

Careful attention should be paid to the results of monitoring, particularly the impacts of the restrictions applied. The timing of the implementation of more severe restrictions will be based on the results of this monitoring. The Bureau of Meteorology's Seasonal Forecasts could also be considered in deciding on the nature and timing of the implementation of the various emergency measures for extreme drought conditions.



All information collected and all decisions made (and subsequent outcomes) should be well documented so that they will be of use in guiding future drought planning and drought response.

Monitoring of the timing and effectiveness of the restriction policy will allow an assessment of its ability to meet the Drought Response Plan objectives and therefore whether more drastic action will need to be taken.

5.6 Lifting of Restrictions and Restriction Levels Western Water has made a decision to align its water restrictions with those for the Melbourne system. Restrictions will therefore be lifted in line with the lifting of Melbourne restrictions for towns that are receiving supply from the Melbourne system.

The exception to this is where other levels of restrictions have been imposed due to local system water shortages or other issues as discussed. Restrictions should only be lifted where Western Water can reasonably conclude that the same stage of restriction is not likely to be reimposed within the next 12 months.



6. Pre and Post Drought Evaluation

6.1 Preparing for Drought The ability to respond to drought conditions is largely dependent upon the preparedness of the managing organisation (Western Water). This section discusses issues requiring attention during the intervening periods between droughts.

6.1.1 Availability of Supplementary Supply The timing of the actions proposed in Section 5 is very much dependent on the availability of some of the resources proposed. On this basis, Western Water should carefully evaluate the actions proposed and determine which will require early action (either well before a drought or as part of an action in preparation for the drought situation worsening). For example, if groundwater has been identified as a suitable supplementary supply, the need for licences to access the water (or prevent it being otherwise utilised) may need consideration. It would also be advisable to contact suitable drillers, water carters etc. in the pre-drought period to discuss potential requirements for drought times. Detailed arrangements regarding drilling, pump availability and water cartage etc. could be made as a drought develops.

6.1.2 Consumer Education and Publicity Material The development of publicity material for both the media and consumers on issues such as voluntary demand reduction, Permanent Water Saving Rules, and restrictions requires ongoing review. Furthermore, this information should be examined with consumer groups and modified according to their feedback.

6.1.3 Watching Brief The long term operational objective of ensuring that Western Water is kept informed of changes to total levels of service and patterns of demand and of consumer expectations in relation to desirable levels of service needs to be addressed. A watching brief therefore needs to be maintained in relation to population growth and acceptable standards of supply. An awareness of issues and requirements in relation to environmental flows should also be maintained.

6.1.4 Monitoring the Effects of Bore Pumping Ideally, a drought relief bore or borefield should be constructed with monitoring bores to enable the evaluation of drawdown effects; operating policies for drought relief bores would ideally be developed from pumping test data. Given the likelihood that new emergency bores will not be drilled until they are actually needed, other short term methods to monitor groundwater levels and assess yield and impacts will be required. This would involve a performance test on the bore itself from which aquifer properties could be determined and enable regular monitoring of the drawdown of the pumping well(s).

For short term pumping, the immediate concern relates to over-pumping from the well, resulting in the water level dropping to below the pump intake. If longer pumping is



considered, a borefield operation plan will be required, incorporating the calculation of long term sustainable yields and associated impacts of drawdown such as drying up of nearby creeks. It would be wise for Western Water to have a full understanding of the operation of their emergency supply bores before the onset of drought.

6.1.5 Training and Education It is important for Western Water to present an informed and consistent image to its customers. To this end, all staff should be aware of the current status of restrictions. Customer service staff would require more detailed training on the specifics of restrictions.

Training will also need to be given to selected Western Water personnel in relation to the responsibilities identified in the Drought Response Plan and to be able to interpret the drought warning signals that are available from the various Bureau of Meteorology information sources.

6.1.6 Proposed Funding Strategy Completion of a Drought Response Plan requires identification of the budget and staffing resources necessary to maintain the program during all phases of its operation. Western Water will need to review the adequacy of its reserve funds to cover extraordinary expenses that are identified and consider the appropriateness of all other funding options at its disposal. Ongoing drought response development and maintenance costs will need to be programmed into Western Water's corporate plan.

6.2 Post Drought Phase – Evaluation and Revision Following a drought period, it is important to review the response of Western Water to ensure that areas of best practice and areas requiring attention are identified and documented for future reference. The following sections discuss actions requiring attention immediately following a drought.

6.2.1 Evaluation of Objectives The first part of the review process will be to assess the suitability of the objectives. There are three components to the objectives (i.e. strategic, planning and operational) and each of these needs to be critically reviewed to determine if the objectives were appropriate and achievable. If they were not, some comment needs to be made as to why not and new objectives set for the next drought.

6.2.2 Evaluation of Water Supply Management Actions There have been a range of actions identified for staged demand reduction and supply augmentation. In most droughts, only a few of the actions will need to be implemented. The timing and effectiveness of each action needs to be assessed and documented at the end of a drought period.

Comparisons between historic deliveries and drought deliveries will have been made as part of the monitoring process during the drought and can be used to assess the effectiveness of drought response options. It is important in the immediate post drought



phase that as much available data on the system during the drought is collated and reported upon. As a minimum, the following should be collected:

• Demand for each township affected;

• Inflow to each major storage system;

• Transfers between storages (as relevant);

• Rainfall;

• Evaporation; and

• Storage level

Demand modelling procedures should also be used to further aid in the estimation of the effects of restrictions on demand. From this, an assessment of the effectiveness of a current stage of restriction (relative to current estimates as summarised in Table 10) can be made and, if necessary, adjustments made to defer or bring forward the next stage of restriction.

6.2.3 Impact of Restrictions on the Community Community response to the imposition of restrictions will be sought through contact with representatives of the customer advisory and community reference groups. These groups can help identify additional actions that could have been taken to reduce consumption. The following provides a guide to the type of information that should be sought in such a survey:

• Were there other things that could have been done to help reduce demand for water?

• Was there enough warning that restrictions were to be imposed?

• Was the right mix of media used to disseminate information on when the restrictions were to begin and what was and was not allowed to be done?

• Were the restrictions too severe?

• Did they last too long?

• Were people confused by the number of restrictions?

• What attitude did people have during the drought?

• Was there any significant plant loss?

• Was there any major inconvenience caused by the lower stages of restrictions?

• Were there any particular sectors of the community that were adversely affected by drought?

6.2.4 Impact on Western Water Staff Staff from Western Water will also be interviewed to determine how they coped with the additional burden of drought. In particular, it will be important to identify any issues that came up that were not identified prior to the drought and were not taken into account in the Drought Response Plan. The following issues should be addressed:

• Were the restrictions easy to enforce?

• Were the limited watering times causing problems for supervision?



• Did the staff feel alienated from the community?

• Was the additional workload reasonable?

• Do staff have any suggestions for improvements for the Drought Response Plan?

6.3 Updating of the Drought Response Plan Under Western Water’s Statement of Obligations, Western Water has a requirement to review and if necessary amend the drought response plans at an interval of no more than 5 years or within 12 months of lifting water restrictions or any major change to water supply arrangements. The plan will therefore be fully reviewed and updated again in 2017.

Prior to 2017, the plan will be reviewed on an annual basis to confirm whether or not there have been any significant changes in conditions that would indicate a need to update the plan earlier. The plan will be updated if any of the following changes have occurred:

• Significant changes to water supply infrastructure;

• Growth in water demand well in excess of that envisaged; and

• Any assessed change in hydrological conditions based on additional hydrological records.

6.4 Knowledge Gaps As indicated above, a Drought Response Plan should be seen as a dynamic instrument for guiding drought management; new or additional information and knowledge will continually become available, and their implications for good drought management should be incorporated (as appropriate) in the Drought Response Plan through a process of ongoing review. It is particularly important, in this context, to be aware of key gaps in the available knowledge base. The main area where knowledge is lacking is in relation to the likely impact of restrictions on reducing levels of demand. Section 6.2.2 presents a summary of the key monitoring needs to improve the knowledge base and hence Western Water’s preparedness for drought.



7. References

Western Water (2005) Drought Response Plan 2005.

Western Water (2009) Annual Report 2008/09

Western Water (2012) Water Supply Demand Strategy 2011-2060, March 2012

Western Water (2012b) Western Water website: http://www.westernwater.com.au/savingwater/Pages/Waterrestrictions.aspx.

http://www.westernwater.com.au/savingwater/Pages/Waterrestrictions.aspx



8. Appendix A

Water Security Outlook

Rosslynne Romsey Lancefield Woodend Merrimu

Rosslynne Supply SystemWater Security Outlook 2014/15

The Rosslynne System supplies the townships of Sunbury, Diggers Rest, Bulla, Gisborne, Mount Macedon,Macedon and Riddells Creek. Water is sourced from Rosslynne Reservoir, located in Gisborne, and also from aconnection to the Melbourne supply system. Rosslynne Reservoir is managed by Southern Rural Water,Western Water has a Bulk Entitlement to 86% of capacity and inflows of Rossylnne. Water from RosslynneReservoir is treated at the Rosslynne Water Filtration Plant. Water sourced from Melbourne is supplied via apipeline with a capacity of 35 ML/day.

About the Rosslynne System

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

2008

-09

2009

-10

2010

-11

2011

-12

2012

-13

2013

-14

2014

-15

2015

-16

2016

-17

2017

-18

ML

Source Water Consumption

Local Surface Water Melbourne System

0

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150

200

250

300

Jul-

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n-10

Apr

-10

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-11

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11O

ct-1

1Ja

n-12

Apr

-12

Jul-

12O

ct-1

2Ja

n-13

Apr

-13

Jul-

13O

ct-1

3Ja

n-14

Apr

-14

Jul-

14O

ct-1

4Ja

n-15

Apr

-15

Litr

es/

per

son

/d

ay

Residential Demand Trends

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

Nov

-13

Feb-

14

May

-14

Aug

-14

Nov

-14

Feb-

15

May

-15

Aug

-15

Nov

-15

Feb-

16

May

-16

Aug

-16

Vo

lum

e(M

L)

Rosslynne Reservoir BulkEntitlement Volume

Acutal Volumes Wet Average

Dry RTD Very Dry

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

July

Aug

ust

Sep

tem

b…

Oct

ober

Nov

embe

r

Dec

embe

r

Janu

ary

Febr

uary

Mar

ch

Apr

il

May

June

Mon

thly

Infl

ow

(ML)

Rosslynne Reservoir monthly inflows

Rosslynne Reservoir was 35% full as at the 23November 2015. Maximum storage volume is25,400 ML. 2015-16 volumes are forecast based onmultiple inflow scenarios and are shown as dottedlines, historical volumes are shown as a solid line.

RTD - Return to dry conditions of 1997-2009.

Inflows into Rosslynne Reservoir in 2014/15significantly reduced from the previous year. Thistrend has continued in 2015/16.

* DMA - District Metered Area

2018/19 - 2022/23 Not initiated

Investigate and confirm losses in the Rosslynne system, ifeconomically justifiable replace/repair affected infrastructure.

Coordinate with DELWP and Melbourne Water for increased BulkEntitlement from the Melbourne system

Actions

On-going implementation of community education and behaviourchange, including the Schools Water Efficiency Program

Timing

2013/14 - 2017/18

As required

Status

Ongoing

DMA completed forSunbury, RiddellsCreek

Rosslynne supply and demand options

Securing supplies into the future

The management of water resources and supply security require ongoing monitoring and tracking to ensure longterm water availability.

The Rosslynne supply and demand options outlines projects and programs that Western Water is undertaking tokeep water consumption and demand at efficient levels.

Rosslynne Water Security Outlook continued

Permanent Water Saving Rules are currently in place for all areas of the Rosslynne Water Supply District. Dueto the connection to the Melbourne System, Western Water will align water restrictions with Melbourne Water.

Water Restrictions

Seasonal Rainfall Forecast

The Climate Outlook for South EasternAustralian for December 2015 to February 2016indicates that the chances of Victoria having awetter or drier summer are roughly equal.Current climate influences include a combinationof a strong El Niño in the Pacific, a decayingpositive Indian Ocean Dipole, and very warmIndian Ocean temperatures.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Jul-

10O

ct-1

0Ja

n-11

Apr

-11

Jul-

11O

ct-1

1Ja

n-12

Apr

-12

Jul-

12O

ct-1

2Ja

n-13

Apr

-13

Jul-

13O

ct-1

3Ja

n-14

Apr

-14

Jul-

14O

ct-1

4Ja

n-15

Apr

-15

Jul-

15

Monthly Residential Demand Trends

050

100150200250300350400

2008

-09

2009

-10

2010

-11

2011

-12

2012

-13

2013

-14

2014

-15

2015

-16

2016

-17


Rosslynne Melbourne System Groundwater Local Surface Water

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

July

Aug

ust

Sep

tem

ber

Oct

ober

Nov

embe

r

Dec

embe

r

Janu

ary

Febr

uary

Mar

ch

Apr

il

May

June

Kerrie Reservoir monthly inflows

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Nov

-13

Feb-

14

May

-14

Aug

-14

Nov

-14

Feb-

15

May

-15

Aug

-15

Nov

-15

Feb-

16

May

-16

Aug

-16

Kerrie Reservoir Volume

Acutal Volumes WetAverage DryRTD Very Dry

Kerrie Reservoir was 60% full as at the 23November 2015. Maximum storage volume is 297ML. 2015-16 volumes are forecast based onmultiple inflow scenarios and are shown asdotted lines, historical volumes are shown as asolid line.


The Romsey System supplies the township of Romsey. Local water is sourced from KerrieReservoir, located south west of Romsey, Forster and Wright Reservoirs located near RiddellsCreek. An indirect connection exists to the Melbourne reticulation system and the Rosslynnesupply system via Riddells Creek and Wright Reservoir. A groundwater source has recentlybeen developed for Romsey. All water supplied to Romsey is treated at the Romsey WaterFiltration Plant. Water from the Romsey system and the wider network can be transferred toLancefield via a connecting pipeline.

Romsey Supply SystemWater Security Outlook 2015-16

Inflows into Kerrie Reservoir in 2014/15significantly reduced from the previous year.This trend has continued in 2015/16.

2012/13 inflows are likely to be anunderestimate due to a fault with the sensorthat measures the inflows.

About the Romsey System

Investigate and confirm system losses, if economically justifiablereplace/repair affected infrastructure. As required -

Action


Upgrade of the Romsey WTP

StatusTiming

2013/14 - 2017/18

2012/13

2013/14

2017/18 Not initiated

Completed 2014

Completed 2013

Ongoing

Development of the Romsey groundwater borefield

Interconnection of the Romsey and Lancefield systems

Permanent Water Saving rules are currently in place for all areas of the Romsey WaterSupply District. Due to the connection to the Melbourne System, Western Water will alignwater restrictions with Melbourne Water but may apply restrictions to the Romsey systemoutside of Melbourne due to specific events such as infrastructure failure, extreme demandor water quality event.

Romsey Water Security Outlook continued

Water Restrictions



Romsey supply and demand options

The management of water resources and supply security require ongoing monitoring andtracking to ensure long term water availability.

The Romsey supply and demand options outlines projects and programs that WesternWater is undertaking to keep water consumption and demand at efficient levels.

The Climate Outlook for South EasternAustralian for December 2015 toFebruary 2016 indicates that thechances of Victoria having a wetter ordrier summer are roughly equal. Currentclimate influences include a combinationof a strong El Niño in the Pacific, adecaying positive Indian Ocean Dipole,and very warm Indian Ocean

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Jul-

09O

ct-0

9Ja

n-10

Apr

-10

Jul-

10O

ct-1

0Ja

n-11

Apr

-11

Jul-

11O

ct-1

1Ja

n-12

Apr

-12

Jul-

12O

ct-1

2Ja

n-13

Apr

-13

Jul-

13O

ct-1

3Ja

n-14

Apr

-14

Jul-

14O

ct-1

4Ja

n-15

Apr

-15

Jul-

15

Monthly Residential Demand Trends

0

50

100

150

200

250

2008

-09

2009

-10

2010

-11

2011

-12

2012

-13

2013

-14

2014

-15

2015

-16

2016

-17

2017

-18


Rosslynne Melbourne System Groundwater Garden Hut

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

July

Aug

ust

Sep

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Oct

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Nov

embe

r

Dec

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Janu

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Febr

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Mar

ch

Apr

il

May

June

Garden Hut monthly inflows

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Nov

-13

Feb-

14

May

-14

Aug

-14

Nov

-14

Feb-

15

May

-15

Aug

-15

Nov

-15

Feb-

16

May

-16

Aug

-16

Garden Hut Reservoir Volume

Actual Volume Wet Average

Dry RTD Very Dry

Garden Hut Reservoir was 30% full as at the 23November 2015. Maximum storage volume is 46ML. 2015-16 volumes are forecast based onmultiple inflow scenarios and are shown asdotted lines, historical volumes are shown as asolid line.


The Lancefield System supplies the township of Lancefield. Water is sourced from Garden Hut Reservoir, twolocal groundwater bores and a connection from the Romsey water supply network. As the Romsey syestem isconnected to the Rosslynne and the Melbourne systems, Lancefield can recieve water from Rosslynne orMelbourne. Water from all sources is sent to the Lancefield Water Treatment Plant where it is treated beforesupply.

Lancefield Supply SystemWater Security Outlook 2015-16

Inflows into Garden Hut Reservoir in 2014/15significantly reduced from the previous year.This trend has continued in 2015/16.

About the Lanceifield System

Extension of the Lancefield borefield and Aquifer Storage andRecovery investigations 2016/17 Not initiated

Upgrade of the Romsey WTP following borefield development andpotable supply connection to Lancefield 2017/18 Not initiated

Action Timing Status

Interconnection of the Romsey and Lancefield systems 2013/14 Completed 2014

On-going implementation of community education and behaviourchange, including the Schools Water Efficiency Program 2013/14 - 2017/18 Ongoing

Investigate and confirm system losses, if economically justifiablereplace/repair affected infrastructure. As required -

Development of the Romsey groundwater borefield 2012/13 Completed 2013

Permanent Water Saving rules are currently in place for all areas of the Lancefield WaterSupply District. Due to the connection to the Melbourne System, Western Water will alignwater restrictions with Melbourne Water but may apply restrictions to the Lancefield systemoutside of Melbourne due to specific events such as infrastructure failure, extreme demand orwater quality event.

Lancefield Water Security Outlook continued

Water Restrictions



Lancefield supply and demand options

The management of water resources and supply security require ongoing monitoring andtracking to ensure long term water availability.

The Lancefield supply and demand options outlines projects and programs that WesternWater is undertaking to keep water consumption and demand at efficient levels.

The Climate Outlook for South EasternAustralian for December 2015 toFebruary 2016 indicates that thechances of Victoria having a wetter ordrier summer are roughly equal. Currentclimate influences include a combinationof a strong El Niño in the Pacific, adecaying positive Indian Ocean Dipole,and very warm Indian Ocean

Woodend Supply SystemWater Security Outlook 2015/16

The Woodend Supply System supplies the township of Woodend. Local water is sourced from CampaspeReservoir, located west of Woodend, and water storages located on Mount Macedon. Water from theMelbourne system and Rosslynne Reservoir can be indirectly supplied to Woodend via the storages onMount Macedon. Water supplied to Woodend from Campaspe Reservoir is treated at the Marriages WaterFiltration Plant. Water supplied from the Mount Macedon storages is treated at the Reservoir C WaterFiltration Plant.

About the Woodend System

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

2008

-09

2009

-10

2010

-11

2011

-12

2012

-13

2013

-14

2014

-15

2015

-16

2016

-17

2017

-18


Rosslynne Local Surface Water Melbourne System

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Jul-

09O

ct-0

9Ja

n-10

Apr

-10

Jul-

10O

ct-1

0Ja

n-11

Apr

-11

Jul-

11O

ct-1

1Ja

n-12

Apr

-12

Jul-

12O

ct-1

2Ja

n-13

Apr

-13

Jul-

13O

ct-1

3Ja

n-14

Apr

-14

Jul-

14O

ct-1

4Ja

n-15

Apr

-15


0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Nov

-13

Jan-

14M

ar-1

4M

ay-1

4Ju

l-14

Sep

-14

Nov

-14

Jan-

15M

ar-1

5M

ay-1

5Ju

l-15

Sep

-15

Nov

-15

Jan-

16M

ar-1

6M

ay-1

6Ju

l-16

Sep

-16

Campaspe Reservoir Volume


Dry RTD Very Dry

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

Nov

-13

Jan-

14M

ar-1

4M

ay-1

4Ju

l-14

Sep

-14

Nov

-14

Jan-

15M

ar-1

5M

ay-1

5Ju

l-15

Sep

-15

Nov

-15

Jan-

16M

ar-1

6M

ay-1

6Ju

l-16

Sep

-16

Mt Macedon Storages Volume


Dry RTD Very Dry

Campaspe Reservoir was 30% full as at the 23 November 2015, maximum storage volume is 264 ML.The Mt Macedon storages, which are available for Woodend, were 77% full as at the 23 November 2015.Maximum storage volume is 475 ML.

2015-16 volumes are forecast based on multiple inflow scenarios and are shown as dotted lines,historical volumes are shown as a solid line.




Increase storage capacity of Campaspe Reservoir in Woodend system

Upgrade transfer capacity from Macedon and Mt Macedon system toWoodend by dyplicating existing water mains.

Planning phase

Ongoing

Actions

Investigate the use of bores to the NE of Woodend which werepreviously used

Provision of dual supply / 3rd pipe scheme using recycled water tonew growth areas

StatusTiming2013/14 - 2017/18

2017/18

2013/14 - 2017/18

2013/14 - 2017/18

2013/14 - 2017/18 Not initiated

Investigate and confirm losses in the Woodend system, ifeconomically justifiable replace/repair affected infrastructure As required DMA completed*

Not initiated

Not initiated


The management of water resources and supply security require ongoing monitoring and tracking toensure long term water availability.

The Woodend supply and demand options outlines projects and programs that Western Water is

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

July

Aug

ust

Sep

tem

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Oct

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Nov

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Dec

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Janu

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Mar

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Apr

il

May

June

Mon

thly

In

flo

w (

ML)

Campaspe Monthly Inflows

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Woodend Water Security Outlook continued

Permanent Water Saving Rules are currently in place for all areas of the Woodend Water Supply District.Due to the connection to the Melbourne System, Western Water will align water restrictions withMelbourne Water but may apply restrictions to the Woodend system outside of Melbourne due to specificevents such as infrastructure failure, extreme demand or water quality event.

Water Restrictions


The Climate Outlook for South EasternAustralian for December 2015 to February 2016indicates that the chances of Victoria having awetter or drier summer are roughly equal.Current climate influences include acombination of a strong El Niño in the Pacific, adecaying positive Indian Ocean Dipole, andvery warm Indian Ocean temperatures.

Woodend supply and demand options

Inflows into Campaspe Reservoir in2014/15 significantly reduced fromthe previous year. This trend hascontinued in 2015/16.

Merrimu Supply SystemWater Security Outlook 2014/15

The Merrimu System supplies the townships of Melton, Rockbank ,Bacchus Marsh., Longforest andToolern Vale. Local water is sourced from Merrimu & Djerriwarrh Reservoirs located north of Melton.Additionally there is a connection to the Melbourne reticulation system. Merrimu Reservoir is managedby Southern Rural Water, Western Water has a Bulk Entitlement to 60% of the capacity and 70% ofinflows into Merrimu. Water from Merrimu and Djerriwarrh Reservoir is treated at the Merrimu WaterFiltration Plant. Water sourced from Melbourne is supplied via a pipeline with a capacity of 45 ML/day.

About the Merrimu System

Merrimu Reservoir was 23% full as at the 16 November2015. Maximum storage volume is 32,516 ML. 2015-16volumes are forecast based on multiple inflowscenarios and are shown as dotted lines, historicalvolumes are shown as a solid line.


02000400060008000

10000120001400016000

2008

-09

2009

-10

2010

-11

2011

-12

2012

-13

2013

-14

2014

-15

2015

-16

2016

-17

2017

-18

ML


Local Surface Water Melbourne System

0

50

100

150

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300

Jul-

09O

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9Ja

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Apr

-10

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-11

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/d

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ML)

Merrimu Reservoir monthly inflows

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

0

4,000

8,000

12,000

16,000

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-14

Aug-

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Nov

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May

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Aug-

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May

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Aug-

16

Vo

lum

e(M

L)

Merrimu Storage volume

Acutal Volumes Wet AverageDry RTD Very Dry

Inflows into Merrimu Reservoir in 2014/15 significantlyreduced from the previous year. This trend hascontinued in 2015/16.


Actions

On-going implementation of community education and behaviourchange, including the Schools Water Effeciency Program

Investigate and confirm losses in the Werribee system, ifeconomically justifiable replace/repair affected infrastructure

Coordinate with DELWP and Melbourne Water for increased BulkEntitlement from the Melbourne system

Increased Bulk Entitlement from Merrimu Reservoir, from unallocatedshare (10% storage increase + purchase of water shares)

Continue to expand the availablility of recycled water for the growthareas of Melton, Toolern and Rockbank (Dual supply/ 3rd pipescheme)

2013/14 - 2017/18

2013/14 - 2017/18

Status

Ongoing

DMA completed forMelton and

Bacchus Marsh*

Not initiated

In progress

In progress

Timing

2013/14 - 2017/18

As required

2013/14 - 2017/18

Permanent Water Saving Rules are currently in place for all areas of the Merrimu Water SupplyDistrict. Due to the connection to the Melbourne System, Western Water will align waterrestrictions with Melbourne Water.

Water Restrictions


Merrimu supply and demand options

Securing supplies into the futureThe management of water resources and supply security require ongoing monitoring and tracking toensure long term water availability.

The Merrimu supply and demand options outlines projects and programs that Western Water isundertaking to keep water consumption and demand at efficient levels.

Merrimu Water Security Outlook continued

The Climate Outlook for South EasternAustralian for December 2015 to February2016 indicates that the chances of Victoriahaving a wetter or drier summer areroughly equal. Current climate influencesinclude a combination of a strong El Niño inthe Pacific, a decaying positive IndianOcean Dipole, and very warm Indian Oceantemperatures.


Version: 1.0 Controlled Document Document Owner: Manager Asset Integrity Ref: WATER-PLAN-DROUGHT RESPONSE Page 69 of 69 Uncontrolled when Printed Authorised: Board Date Authorised: January 2016

9. Appendix B

Water Restriction By-Law 11/11

Water Restriction By Law 11/11

Issued by the Minister for Water, as Ministeradministering theWater Act 1989

CONTENTS

PREAMBLE .............................................................................................................................................. 2

1. AUTHORISING PROVISIONS ............................................................................................................ 2

2. PURPOSES ...................................................................................................................................... 2

3. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION............................................................................................... 2

3.1 Definitions..................................................................................................................................... 2

3.2 Interpretation ............................................................................................................................... 2

4. STAGES OF RESTRICTIONS............................................................................................................... 2

4.1 Stages of Restrictions.................................................................................................................... 2

4.2 Imposing stages of restrictions ..................................................................................................... 2

4.3 Application of restrictions............................................................................................................. 2

4.4 Declining to impose a stage of restrictions................................................................................... 2

5. GENERAL EXEMPTIONS ................................................................................................................... 2

5.1 Health and Safety Exclusion.......................................................................................................... 2

5.2 General Exemptions...................................................................................................................... 2

6. PARTICULAR EXEMPTIONS.............................................................................................................. 2

6.1 Guidelines regarding Particular Exemptions................................................................................. 2

6.2 Applications for Particular Exemptions......................................................................................... 2

6.3 Approval of Particular Exemptions ............................................................................................... 2

6.4 Particular Exemptions for Public Garden Areas............................................................................ 2

6.5 Particular Exemptions for Certain Playing Surfaces...................................................................... 2

6.6 Particular Exemptions for Warm Season Grasses......................................................................... 2

7. WATER USE PLANS.......................................................................................................................... 2

7.1 Guidelines Regarding Water Use Plans......................................................................................... 2

7.2 Applications for Water Use Plans ................................................................................................. 2

7.3 Approval of Water Use Plans ........................................................................................................ 2

2.

7.4 Failure to Comply with a Water Use Plan ..................................................................................... 2

8. LIFTING A STAGE OF RESTRICTION .................................................................................................. 2

8.1 Lifting a stage ................................................................................................................................ 2

8.2 Declining to lift a stage of restrictions .......................................................................................... 2

9. EMERGENCY MEASURES ................................................................................................................. 2

10. OFFENCES AND PENALTIES.............................................................................................................. 2

10.1 Contravention of the By law is an offence ................................................................................... 2

10.2 Penalties........................................................................................................................................ 2

10.3 Infringement notices..................................................................................................................... 2

10.4 Penalties........................................................................................................................................ 2

11. ISSUING PENALTY INFRINGEMENT NOTICES.................................................................................... 2

12. REPEAL ........................................................................................................................................... 2

13. AUTHORISATION BY Western Water............................................................................................... 2

SCHEDULE 1 ............................................................................................................................................ 2

SCHEDULE OF WATER RESTRICTIONS .................................................................................................... 2

PART A � DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................... 2

PART B � SCHEDULE OF RESTRICTIONS.................................................................................................. 2

PART C � INDEX ...................................................................................................................................... 2

1.

WATER RESTRICTION BY LAW

PREAMBLE

The community understands there may be a need to change water use behaviours in times of drought orother water shortage. This Water Restriction By law sets out four stages of restrictions and prohibitionson the use of water that can be mandated byWestern Water when it is considered necessary to conservewater.

The restrictions in this By law apply to water that is supplied by the main water supply works ofWesternWater, regardless of how that water is delivered. The restrictions also apply to any water that is a mix ofthis �mains� water and other water, for example, if a tank of rain water is topped up with mains water,the restrictions apply to the use of all of the mixed water in the tank. The restrictions do not apply inrelation to recycled or reclaimed water, greywater or stormwater whether or not that water is supplied bythe works ofWestern Water.

Water is an essential resource for maintaining life. The restrictions in this By law therefore do not restrictthe use of water for indoor purposes such as drinking, washing, cleaning or sanitation. Also, despite anyrestrictions in this By law, water can be used at any time:

for human health requirements;

for watering of stock and animals;

for fire fighting;

for the safety, but not the cleaning, of vehicles and equipment; and

for cleaning required as a result of an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or otheremergency (in accordance with the permitted methods).

Where a restriction relates to a specific use of water, that restriction applies regardless of whether the useis indoors or outdoors. For example, indoor pools and fountains and undercover nurseries are covered bythe same restrictions as equivalent outdoor facilities. However, water cannot be used outdoors for anypurpose except in accordance with the restrictions in this By law or with the written permission ofWestern Water. This means that unless the restrictions in this By law specify rules about the way in whichwater can be used outdoors for a particular purpose, then water cannot be used for that purpose.

Wherever possible, the restrictions in this By law are designed to be simple, easy to understand andstraightforward to follow. For example, outdoor watering is restricted to "alternate days", which meansodd numbered properties can be watered on odd numbered dates and even numbered (or no numbered)properties can be watered on even numbered dates. Everyone gets to water on the 31st of any monthand the 29th of February.

The restrictions in this By law are also designed to build upon the common sense rules set out in thePermanent Water Saving Plan ofWestern Water, which encourage the efficient use of water on anongoing basis. For example, wherever restrictions in this By law allow for water to be used from a handheld hose for any purpose, that hose must be leak free and used with a trigger nozzle, consistent with thepermanent water saving rules.

2.

Contravention of this By law is an offence under theWater Act 1989, and so penalties may apply.

Exemptions from the restrictions in this By law may be granted in certain circumstances. This By law setsout the principles thatWestern Water will take into account when considering applications for exemptionsfrom particular restrictions.

This By law also provides for water to be used in accordance with a Water Use Plan approved byWesternWater, despite the restrictions under the prevailing stage of restrictions. Water Use Plans will only beapproved where the use of a Plan is expressly permitted for the particular use of water under the relevantstage of restrictions, or where it is required as part of an application for an exemption.

3.

Western Watermakes the following By law:

1. AUTHORISING PROVISIONS

This By law is made under sections 160, 171(1)(a), (ba), (bb), (bc), (e) and (j) and 287ZC of the Act.

2. PURPOSES

The purposes of this By law are to:

(a) promote the efficient use and conservation of water; and

(b) set out four stages of restrictions on the use of water; and

(c) specify things which must not be done while each stage of restriction persists; and

(d) specify principles for considering applications for exemptions from particular restrictions;and

(e) prescribe offences and penalties for the contravention of this By law, including for whichan infringement notice may be served; and

(f) prescribe classes of persons for the purpose of issuing infringement notices.

3. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

3.1 Definitions

The definitions set out in Part A of Schedule 1, apply in this By law, unless the contrary intentionappears.

3.2 Interpretation

(a) A reference to:

(i) legislation (including subordinate legislation) is to that legislation as amended, reenacted or replaced, and includes any subordinate legislation issued under it;

(ii) a document or agreement, or provision of a document or agreement, is to thatdocument, agreement or provision as amended, supplemented, replaced ornovated;

(iii) a party to any document or agreement includes a permitted substitute orpermitted assign of that party;

(iv) a person includes any type of entity or body of persons, whether or not it isincorporated or has a separate legal identity and any executor, administrator orsuccessor in law of the person; and

(v) anything (including a right, obligation or concept) includes each part of it.

4.

(b) A singular word includes the plural and vice versa.

(c) If a word is defined, another part of speech has a corresponding meaning.

(d) If an example is given of anything (including a right, obligation or concept) such as bysaying it includes something else, the example does not limit the scope of that thing.

(e) An interpretation that would promote the efficient use of water must be preferred to aninterpretation that would not promote such use.

4. STAGES OF RESTRICTIONS

4.1 Stages of Restrictions

Western Watermay impose:

Stage 1 Restrictions (Alert); orStage 2 Restrictions (Save); orStage 3 Restrictions (Just Enough); orStage 4 Restrictions (Critical),

as the case requires, in any district, by publishing a notice to that effect in a newspaper circulatinggenerally in the relevant district and on the website ofWestern Water .

4.2 Imposing stages of restrictions

Western Watermay impose a stage of restriction in a district:

(a) in accordance with the process specified in its drought response plan; or

(b) if it reasonably concludes that:

(i) because of the failure or limitation of a major pipeline, pumping station,treatment plant or other key water supply work,Western Water will temporarilybe unable to meet the demands of its customers; or

(ii) because of a major water quality issue arising from the failure of a key watersupply work referred to in sub paragraph (i), or from a bushfire or otheremergency,Western Water will temporarily be unable to meet the demands of itscustomers; or

(iii) the prevailing stage of restriction has failed to provide the reductions in demandrequired byWestern Water for that stage, in accordance with its droughtresponse plan.

4.3 Application of restrictions

When a stage of restriction is imposed in a district under sub clause 4.2, the relevant restrictionson water use designated for that stage in Schedule 1 apply in that district.

5.

4.4 Declining to impose a stage of restrictions

Without limiting sub clause 4.2,Western Watermay decline to impose a stage of restriction in adistrict if it reasonably concludes that the circumstances indicating the need for that stage arelikely to be so temporary that the public inconvenience caused by imposing that stage ofrestriction would outweigh the water conservation benefits to be gained from imposing thatstage.

5. GENERAL EXEMPTIONS

5.1 Health and Safety Exclusion

Despite any provision of this By law, including the restrictions set out in Schedule 1, Water can beused at any time for:

(a) human health requirements;

(b) stock and animal health requirements;

(c) fire fighting; and

(d) the safety, but not the cleaning, of vehicles or equipment.

5.2 General Exemptions

(a) Western Watermay, in relation to a specified district or districts:

(i) prepare, adopt and publish; and

(ii) amend or revoke at any time,

general exemptions which specify generally applicable exemptions (from a particular useor for particular users of Water) from any restrictions in Schedule 1.

(b) In deciding whether or not to grant a general exemption under this sub clause,WesternWater will have regard to:

(i) the security of available Water supplies in the district; and

(ii) recent climate patterns and prevailing seasonal forecasts; and

(iii) any anticipated change in demand attributable to the prevailing stage ofrestriction; and

(iv) any other relevant matter whichWestern Water thinks fit to have regard to.

(c) Without limiting paragraph 5.2(a), the general exemptions may set out:

(i) permissible uses of Water which are exempted from a restriction set out inSchedule 1, without an application being made under clause 6; and

(ii) the conditions upon which any such exemption is granted.

6.

(d) Exemptions adopted under paragraph (a) must be published onWestern Water's websiteand notice of any adoption, amendment or revocation of exemptions must be publishedin a newspaper circulating generally in the relevant district and on the website ofWesternWater.

(e) An exemption, or an amendment to an exemption under this clause will apply from thedate on which a notice of the exemption is published in a newspaper circulating generallyin the relevant district and will cease to apply in accordance with the terms of theexemption or when notice of the revocation is published in a newspaper circulatinggenerally in the relevant district.

(f) Western Watermay prepare and publish general exemptions in co operation with otherwater corporations.

6. PARTICULAR EXEMPTIONS

6.1 Guidelines regarding Particular Exemptions

(a) Western Water may:



guidelines about applying for exemptions under this clause.

(b) Guidelines adopted under paragraph (a) must be published onWestern Water's websiteand notice of any adoption, amendment or revocation of guidelines must be published ina newspaper circulating generally in each district and on the website ofWestern Water.

6.2 Applications for Particular Exemptions

(a) A person may apply to Western Water for an exemption from a stage of restriction whichhas been, or which may in future be, imposed under clause 4.

(b) An application for exemption must be in a form approved byWestern Water.

(c) Western Water:

(i) must consider an application for exemption within a reasonable period; and

(ii) must have regard to any adopted guidelines referred to in sub clause 6.1; and

(iii) subject to this clause:

(A) may grant the application in full or in part and subject to such conditionsasWestern Water considers appropriate; or

(B) may refuse the application.

(d) Western Watermay revoke any exemption at any time, by giving written notice to theapplicant.

(e) An exemption ends at any time specified in the exemption, or when:

7.

(i) the stage of restriction to which the exemption relates is lifted; or

(ii) a more severe stage of restriction is imposed.

6.3 Approval of Particular Exemptions

Subject to this clause,Western Watermust not grant an application for exemption in relation to aparticular stage of restriction, unlessWestern Water is reasonably satisfied that the proposedexemption:

(a) is necessary to avoid an inequitable and disproportionately adverse impact upon thelivelihood of the applicant which would be caused by the level of restriction; OR

(b) would result in less Water being used by the applicant than the lesser amount of theWater that the applicant would otherwise:

(i) have been allowed by Western Water to use; or

(ii) based on prior consumption, is likely to have used for the same purpose underthat stage of restriction; OR

(c) is necessary because of the special needs of the applicant; OR

(d) would avoid or minimise appreciable physical damage to a building or other structureowned or occupied by the applicant during that stage of restriction; OR

(e) is necessary to avoid any adverse effect on public health or safety;

AND

(f) would not, in combination with the use of Water in accordance with other exemptionsgranted or reasonably anticipated byWestern Water to be granted for similar uses ofWater, have a significant impact on the total daily demand for Water byWestern Water'scustomers or the security of available Water supplies in the district where the use willoccur;

AND

(g) would, in the opinion ofWestern Water, be generally supported by otherWestern Watercustomers who are affected by that stage of restriction.

6.4 Particular Exemptions for Public Garden Areas

Despite sub clause 6.3,Western Watermay grant an application for exemption to Water a publicgarden area during a period of stage 4 restrictions if:

(a) the application is accompanied by an approved Water Use Plan for the public garden area;and

(b) Western Water is reasonably satisfied that, if the garden is Watered in accordance withthe Water Use Plan, the exemption would not, in combination with the use of Water inaccordance with other exemptions granted, or reasonably anticipated byWestern Waterto be granted, under this clause, have a significant impact on the total daily demand for

8.

Water byWestern Water's customers or the security of available Water supplies in thedistrict where the use will occur.

6.5 Particular Exemptions for Certain Playing Surfaces

(a) Despite sub clause 6.3,Western Watermay grant an application for exemption to Waterany playing surface during a period of any stage of restriction if:

(i) the application is accompanied by an approved Water Use Plan; and

(ii) the application relates to a playing surface which is to be used for an inter State,national or international professional sporting competition, or in support of such acompetition; and

(iii) the exemption is granted for a finite period, which includes the dates duringwhich the competition is to be held, determined after consulting the applicant;and

(iv) Western Water is reasonably satisfied that, if the playing surface is Watered inaccordance with the Water Use Plan during the relevant stage of restrictions, theexemption would not, in combination with the use of Water in accordance withother exemptions granted, or reasonably anticipated byWestern Water to begranted, under this clause, have a significant impact on the total daily demand forWater byWestern Water's customers or the security of available Water suppliesin the district where the use will occur.

(b) Despite sub clause 6.3 and paragraph 6.5(a),Western Watermay grant an application forexemption to Water a particular playing surface during a period of stage 4 restrictions if:

(i) the application is accompanied by an approved Water Use Plan for the particularplaying surface that has been prepared for the purpose of stage 4 restrictions; and

(ii) Western Water is reasonably satisfied that, if the playing surface is Watered inaccordance with the Water Use Plan during the relevant stage of restrictions, theexemption would not, in combination with the use of Water in accordance withother exemptions granted, or reasonably anticipated byWestern Water to begranted, under this clause, have a significant impact on the total daily demand forWater byWestern Water's customers or the security of available Water suppliesin the district where the use will occur.

6.6 Particular Exemptions for Warm Season Grasses

Despite paragraph 6.2(c) and sub clause 6.3:

(a) if a person makes an application toWestern Water for an exemption to establish a warmseason grass area at a specified property during a period of stage 1 or 2 restrictions; and

(b) an exemption under this sub clause for the property to which the application relates hasnot been made in the past 12 months,

the person will, unless and until notified otherwise, be deemed to have been granted theexemption from the date the application is posted or sent by electronic mail to the correctaddress ofWestern Water, subject to the following conditions:

9.

(c) the exemption allows Watering solely for the establishment of warm season grass; and

(d) the exemption expires 28 days after the exemption is deemed to have been granted.

7. WATER USE PLANS

7.1 Guidelines Regarding Water Use Plans

(a) Western Water may:



guidelines about approval of Water Use Plans under this clause.

(b) Guidelines adopted under paragraph (a) must be published onWestern Water's websiteand notice of any adoption, amendment or revocation of guidelines must be published ina newspaper circulating generally in each district and on the website ofWestern Water.

7.2 Applications for Water Use Plans

(a) A person may make an application under this clause where:

(i) a restriction on the use of Water contained in Schedule 1 permits Water use inaccordance with an approved Water Use Plan; or

(ii) where an application for an exemption under clause 6 must be accompanied byan approved Water Use Plan.

(b) An application for approval of a Water Use Plan must be in a form approved byWesternWater.

(c) Western Water:

(i) must consider an application for approval of a Water Use Plan within a reasonableperiod;

(ii) must have regard to any adopted guidelines referred to in sub clause 7.1; and

(iii) subject to this clause:

(A) may grant the application for approval, subject to such conditions asWestern Water considers appropriate; or

(B) refuse the application for approval.

7.3 Approval of Water Use Plans

Western Water must not approve a Water Use Plan unless:

10.

(a) the Water Use Plan sets out:

(i) the person(s) and property (where applicable) to which the Water Use Planapplies;

(ii) the use(s) to which the Water Use Plan applies;

(iii) the stage(s) of restrictions during which the Water Use Plan applies; and

(iv) when the Water Use Plan expires or ceases to apply; and

(b) in the case of an application under clause 7.2(a)(i),Western Water is reasonably satisfiedthat the use of Water in accordance with the Water Use Plan:

(i) would result in Water savings commensurable to the Water savings that wouldresult from Water use in accordance with the restrictions (other than a Water UsePlan) for that use of Water under the prevailing stage of restrictions; OR

(ii) would not, in combination with the use of Water in accordance with Water UsePlans approved or reasonably anticipated byWestern Water to be approved forsimilar uses of Water, have a significant impact on the total daily demand forWater byWestern Water's customers or the security of available Water suppliesin the district where the use will occur; OR

(iii) would, in the opinion ofWestern Water, be generally supported by otherWesternWater customers who are affected by the relevant stage of restriction; OR

(iv) would, in the opinion ofWestern Water, be considered to demonstrate a bestpractice or highly efficient use of Water for that purpose; OR

(v) would provide a broader public benefit.

7.4 Failure to Comply with a Water Use Plan

For the avoidance of doubt, if an approved Water Use Plan is in place in relation to a use of Water,but the use of Water is not carried out in accordance with the approved Water Use Plan that useof Water is subject to the restrictions for that use contained in Schedule 1.

8. LIFTING A STAGE OF RESTRICTION

8.1 Lifting a stage

Subject to sub clause 8.2,Western Watermay:

(a) lift a prevailing stage of restriction and substitute a lesser stage of restriction; or

(b) lift a prevailing stage of restriction,

wheneverWestern Water reasonably concludes, in accordance with the considerations specifiedin its drought response plan, that the relevant circumstances which ledWestern Water to imposethe prevailing stage of restriction in a district no longer exist, or are about to change, by publishinga notice to that effect in a newspaper circulating generally in the relevant district and on thewebsite ofWestern Water.

11.

8.2 Declining to lift a stage of restrictions

Despite sub clause 8.1,Western Watermay decline to lift a prevailing stage of restriction if itreasonably concludes that either:

(a) continuing that stage of restriction is necessary or desirable to increase or conserveavailable Water supplies; or

(b) the change in circumstances which would otherwise justifyWestern Water in lifting thestage of restriction is likely to be so temporary that the public inconvenience caused bylifting and subsequently re imposing a stage of restriction would outweigh the benefits toWestern Water's customers of temporarily lifting the prevailing stage of restriction.

9. EMERGENCY MEASURES

If it is considered by Western Water that stage 4 restrictions are insufficient to reduceconsumption to a level adequate to meet future demands at that level of restriction, WesternWater may declare emergency measures to further restrict water consumption in the specifiedarea.

10. OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

10.1 Contravention of the By law is an offence

A person who receives a supply of Water fromWestern Watermust not contravene anyrestriction or prohibition on the use of that Water imposed by or under this By law.

10.2 Penalties

The penalty for any offence referred to in sub clause 10.1 during a stage of restriction set out in acolumn of the Table is:

(a) for a first offence, the relevant number of penalty units or the period of imprisonment setout in that column for a first offence;

(b) for a subsequent offence, the relevant number of penalty units or the period ofimprisonment set out in that column for a subsequent offence; and

(c) for a continuing offence, an additional penalty of 5 penalty units for each day on whichthe offence continues (up to a maximum of 20 additional penalty units):

(i) after service of a notice of contravention on the person, under section 151 of theAct; or

(ii) if no notice of contravention is served, after conviction of the person for theoffence.

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4

First offence 15 20 30 40 or 3 months'imprisonment

12.

Subsequentoffence

30 40 60 or 3 months'imprisonment

80 or 6 months'imprisonment

10.3 Infringement notices

An infringement notice may be served on any person who receives a supply of Water fromWestern Water and contravenes any restriction or prohibition on the use of that water imposedby or under this By law (other than an offence against an emergency measure imposed under subclause 9.1).

10.4 Penalties

The infringement penalty for any offence referred to in sub clause 10.3 during a stage ofrestriction set out in Column 1 of the Table is the relevant penalty set out in Column 2 in respectof that Stage of restriction.

COLUMN 1 COLUMN 2

STAGE OF RESTRICTION PENALTY UNITS

1 2

2 3

3 4

4 5

Notes:

1 In this By law "penalty unit" has the same meaning as in section 110 of theSentencing Act 1991. The value of a penalty increases each year under theMonetary UnitsAct 2004. The current value of each penalty for contravening a restriction or prohibition isset out onWestern Water's website www.westernwater.com.au

2 The Act also makes it an offence to waste, misuse or excessively consume water andimposes substantial penalties which include one or more of fines, imprisonment and dailypenalties.

3 Western Water has further power to reduce, restrict or discontinue the supply of water toa person who contravenes the Act, regulations or a by law in relation to misuse or takingof water.Western Water can also disconnect the supply of water to a property in relationto which a notice of contravention has been issued and not complied with.

11. ISSUING PENALTY INFRINGEMENT NOTICES

An authorised water officer appointed under section 291A of the Act byWestern Watermay servean infringement notice on another person in respect of an offence against sub clause 10.3 if theauthorised water officer reasonably believes that the person has committed the offence.

12. REPEAL

Western Water By Law 08/01 is repealed.

http://www.westernwater.com.au

13.

13. AUTHORISATION BY Western Water

This By law is made by Western Water on 5 December 2011.

The Common Seal ofWestern Region Water Corporationwas hereto affixedin the presence of:

________________________________ Chairman

________________________________ Director

________________________________ Managing Director

14.

SCHEDULE 1

SCHEDULE OF WATER RESTRICTIONS

PART A � DEFINITIONS

"Act"means theWater Act 1989.

"alternate day"means:

(a) in the case of a property with an odd street number, each odd numbered day of any month;

(b) in the case of a property:

(i) with an even street number; or

(ii) without a street number,

each even numbered day of any month; and

(c) in the case of any property, the 31st day of any month or the 29th day of February.

"animal husbandry" includes keeping, raising or breeding any animals or birds either:

(a) for commercial purposes; or

(b) on such a scale, or in such a manner, as could reasonably be considered to be comparable to acommercial undertaking.

"approved Water Use Plan"means a Water Use Plan approved byWestern Water

"Automatic Water Top Up Device"means any automatic top up device with appropriate backflowprotection that maintains a water level at the minimum level required for the safe and efficient operationof, and to maintain the integrity of, the equipment which the device is servicing.

"building façade or window"means any external surface of, or attached to, a building, including any roof,wall, window or blind of that building.

"commercial car wash"means any commercial facility for washing vehicles.

"commercial market garden"means an area (indoors or outdoors) used wholly or primarily to propagate,cultivate or harvest fruit, vegetables, vines or other edible plants for sale (retail or wholesale) ordistribution for profit.

"commercial or Council plant nursery"means an area (indoors or outdoors) used wholly or primarily topropagate, cultivate or harvest plants (including seed stock, turf and flowers):

(a) for sale (retail or wholesale) or distribution for profit; or

(b) for any Council use.

"construction or renovation"means construction or renovation works on any building or structureincluding:

15.

(a) erecting, altering (including painting or other protection works), repairing, demolishing orremoving any building or structure;

(b) civil engineering;

(c) any preparatory works for the purposes of construction or renovation; and

(d) any directly associated on site or off site activity.

"Council"means a council under the Local Government Act 1989.

"dam or tank" does not include any pond or lake.

"district"means one of the following districts serviced byWestern Water or part of any such district asspecified byWestern Water:

Bacchus Marsh Water DistrictGisborne Water DistrictLancefield Water DistrictMacedon Water DistrictMelton Water DistrictMyrniong Water DistrictRiddells Creek Water DistrictRomsey Water DistrictSunbury Water DistrictWoodend Water District

"dripper watering system"means:

(a) a watering system (automatic or manual) which drips water on the root zone of plants, bydrippers at a fixed rate of flow, not exceeding 9 litres per hour for every linear metre ofthe watering system; or

(b) a �non dripper� watering system (automatic or manual) which to the satisfaction ofWestern Water is of equal efficiency to or greater efficiency than a dripper water systemdescribed in paragraph (a).

"drought response plan"means a plan developed by Western Water for the purpose of responding todrought or other water shortage, as required under its Statement of Obligation issued under section 4I oftheWater Industry Act 1994.

"edible plants" includes plants that can eaten, imbibed or used to flavour food or drinks.

"existing "means in existence at the time when the prevailing stage of restriction was declared.

"fill"means adding water to the current volume, if the relevant receptacle is less than 75% full.

"fountain or water feature"means any (indoor or outdoor) ornamental fountain or water feature of anycapacity that projects, circulates or moves water, or otherwise causes water to flow, for an aesthetic ordecorative purpose.

16.

"garden area"means any land upon which vegetation of any kind, including trees, other than lawn, growsor is cultivated, for other than commercial purposes. (See "Lawn area").

"general playing surface"means any playing surface that is not a particular playing surface.

"general or particular playing surface"means a general playing surface or a particular playing surface.

"greywater"means waste water from bath tubs, showers, laundry troughs and clothes washing machines,but excludes water from kitchens, dishwashing machines and toilets.

"hand held hose"means a leak free hose that is held by hand, when it is used, which:

(a) in the case of commercial and construction activities, has an internal diameter of no morethan 50mm; or

(b) in the case of any other activities, has an internal diameter of no more than 25mm,

and which is fitted and used with a trigger nozzle.

"hard surface" includes any courtyard, decking, footpath, driveway or other external area, with aconcrete, asphalt, brick, tile, bitumen, timber or similar impervious surface.

"high pressure water cleaning device"means a machine which has a pump to increase the pressure ofwater delivered from a trigger nozzle, at a rate of no greater than 9 litres per minute, forming part of thedevice, but does not include a hand held hose.

"hose connected water toy"means any toy that is operated by running water, supplied through a hose.

"lawn area"means any land, grassed or sown with grass seed but excludes any playing surface. See"garden area".

"mobile spa"means any spa that is capable of being moved for use in different locations.

"mobile water tanker permit"means a valid permit issued byWestern Water for the filling or topping upof a water tanker with Water from hydrants and fireplugs in accordance with the conditions of the permit.

"motor vehicle dealer, repairer or detailer"means a commercial operator that either sells, trades orrepairs motor vehicles and/or is required to clean motor vehicles as part of its operation but excludes acommercial car wash.

"new"means not existing (as defined).

"Other Use"means any use or purpose for which water may be used outside a building, which is not a useor purpose expressly referred to in this document.

"particular playing surface"means:

(a) a turf wicket for competition cricket;

(b) a turf practice wicket for cricket but only if an alternative practice wicket that does notrequire watering (such as a synthetic wicket) is not available;

(c) a lawn or other type of running track (whether for use by humans or animals);

17.

(d) a lawn, en tous cas, or other type of tennis court other than a concrete, bitumen orasphalt tennis court;

(e) a baseball or softball diamond, including the infield and any en tout cas running area;

(f) a hockey or lacrosse pitch;

(g) a green for lawn bowls or croquet or similar sport; or

(h) the penalty areas of a soccer pitch; or

(i) a golfing tee or green (but not fairways or approaches),

at a sporting or recreational facility that is:

(i) for public, commercial or general community use; or

(ii) associated with a university, school or other educational institution, and

(j) a soft fall area at a child care facility or public playground,

but does not include any part of a sporting or recreational facility associated with a private club or similarprivate organisation.

"permanent water saving rule"means a restriction or prohibition on the use of Water contained inWestern Water's Permanent Water Saving Plan (available at www.westernwater.com.au) or fromWesternWater.

"playing surface"means any outdoor area used or capable of being used for any organised sport orrecreation.

"pond or lake" includes any collection of water (indoors or outdoors) for ornamental or urban drainageretention purposes, but does not include a fountain or water feature or a tank that is used to house fish orother aquatic life.

"public authority"means any body:

a) constituted by or under an Act; or

b) exercising powers under an Act,

for a public purpose and includes a Council.

"public garden area"means any:

(a) garden area at any park, reserve or other outdoor area, used or available for publicrecreation or amenity;

(b) garden area at any cemetery, crematorium, central road area or roundabout under themanagement or control of a public authority; or

(c) trees located in a nature strip,

but does not include any:

http://www.westernwater.com.au)orfromWestern

18.

(d) residential or commercial garden area; or

(e) playing surface; or

(f) nature strip.

"public lawn area"means any lawn area:

(a) at any park, reserve or other outdoor area, used or available for public recreation oramenity; or

(b) at any cemetery, crematorium, central road area or roundabout under the managementor control of a public authority,

but does not include:

(c) any residential or commercial lawn area;

(d) any playing surface; or

(e) any nature strip.

"public garden or lawn area"means any public garden area or any public lawn area.

"public pool or spa"means a swimming pool or spa (indoors or outdoors):

(a) for public use, which is operated by, or on behalf of, a public authority;

(b) for limited public use, which is operated by, or on behalf of, a school or educationalfacility; or

(c) for limited public use for the purposes of physical rehabilitation, which may be operatedby, or on behalf of, a public authority or a private enterprise.

"reclaimed water"means water supplied byWestern Water that is neither potable water nor recycledwater, but is recovered from sources such as stormwater.

"recycled water"means treated sewage or trade waste, supplied byWestern Water.

"residential or commercial garden area"means any garden area associated with any residential,commercial or industrial premises and includes any garden area associated with any:

(a) dwelling;

(b) commercial or industrial building;

(c) hospital or nursing home;

(d) sporting club;

(e) religious facility; or

(f) day care centre, kindergarten, school, university or other educational facility or researchinstitute,

19.

and also includes any garden area on an adjacent nature strip in a road adjoining the premises, but doesnot include:

(g) any commercial market garden; or

(h) any commercial or Council plant nursery.

"residential or commercial garden or lawn area"means any residential or commercial garden area or anyresidential or commercial lawn area.

"residential or commercial lawn area"means any lawn area associated with any residential, commercialor industrial premises and includes any lawn area associated with any:

(a) dwelling;

(b) commercial or industrial building;

(c) hospital or nursing home;

(d) sporting club;

(e) religious facility; or

(f) day care centre, kindergarten, school, university or other educational facility or researchinstitute,

and also includes any lawn area on an adjacent nature strip in a road adjoining the premises, but does notinclude any lawn area associated with:

(g) any commercial market garden; or

(h) any commercial or Council plant nursery.

"residential or commercial pool or spa"means a swimming pool or spa (indoors or outdoors), operatedfor private use or commercial purposes, or in conjunction with any commercial premises (including anyhotel), other than a public pool or spa.

"restriction" includes prohibition.

"season"means summer, autumn, winter or spring.

"stock and animal health requirements"means the provision of a reasonable quantity of water fordrinking by, or cleaning of, domestic or commercial stock or animals, to maintain their health andwellbeing.

"stormwater"means water sourced from the stormwater drainage network of Western Water or anyother water corporation or a Council.

"top up"means adding any water to the current volume, if the relevant receptacle is at least 75% full.

"trigger nozzle"means a nozzle controlled by:

(a) a trigger which must be depressed continuously, or locked in the "on" position, by handfor water to flow; or

20.

(b) a discreet switch which can be turned on and off by hand, with a single movement.

"vehicle" includes a car, van, truck, boat, tram or train, aircraft and any other vehicle whatsoever,however it is propelled or moved.

"vehicle for mass transportation"means a bus, tram, train, aircraft, ferry or other vehicle however it ispropelled or moved, that transports people en masse, but does not include:

(a) taxis (whether cars or vans);

(b) cars;

(c) buses or vans used for private purposes.

"warm season grass" means Buffalo, Couch or Kikuyu grass varieties that are appropriate for use in alawn area.

"Water"means:

(a) water supplied by the works ofWestern Water or any other water corporation (includingreticulated systems, stand pipes, hydrants, fireplugs and aqueducts) whether or not thatwater is delivered directly to the location of its use via those works or is delivered byalternative means including a water tanker; and

(b) a mix of:

(i) the water described in paragraph (a); and

(ii) any other water, including the water described in paragraphs (c) (f),

but does not include:

(c) recycled or reclaimed water;

(d) greywater;

(e) stormwater; or

(f) rainwater collected by an occupier of land in a rainwater tank from the roof of a buildingon that land, provided that rainwater within in the tank is not supplemented in anyway byWater (defined in paragraphs (a) and (b) above).

"water corporation"means a water corporation as defined in the Act or a licensee as defined in theWater Industry Act 1994.

"Water Use Plan"means a document, in writing or by plans, prepared to the satisfaction ofWesternWater which governs the use of Water for specified purposes, and for the specified stage of restrictions.

"watering system"means a watering system that is:

(a) an automatic watering system that is set to turn on and off automatically, at predetermined times, without human intervention and, in the case of use for a public lawn orgarden or playing surface, is also fitted with a rain or soil moisture sensor;

21.

(b) an automatic watering system, operated manually, rather than automatically; or

(c) a manual watering system.

"water tanker"means any vehicle, including a trailer, configured to transport a volume of water at leastone cubic metre or greater.

"Western Water"means Western Region Water Corporation.

22.

PART B � SCHEDULE OF RESTRICTIONS

Stage 1(Alert)

Stage 2(Save)

Stage 3(Just Enough)

Stage 4(Critical)

(a) A:residential or commercial garden or lawnarea; orpublic garden or lawn area; orgeneral or particular playing surface,

cannot be Watered except as required andthen only :

with a hand held hose, bucket orwatering can at any time; orby means of a watering system but onlyon alternate days between the hours of6am and 10am and 6pm and 10pm.

(a) A:residential or commercial lawn area; orpublic lawn area; orgeneral playing surface,

cannot be Watered at any time.

(a) A:residential or commercial lawn area; orpublic lawn area; orgeneral playing surface,


(a) A:residential or commercial garden or lawnarea; orpublic garden or lawn area; orgeneral or particular playing surface,


(b) Not used. (b) A:residential or commercial garden area; orpublic garden area; ora particular playing surface,

cannot be Watered except as required andthen only:

with a hand held hose, bucket orwatering can any time; orusing a watering system but only onalternate days between the hours of 6amand 8am and 6pm and 8pm.

(b) A:residential or commercial garden area; orpublic garden area; orparticular playing surface,

cannot be Watered except as required andthen only on alternate days between the hoursof 6am and 8am:

with a hand held hose, bucket orwatering can; orusing a dripper watering system.

1. WateringGardens, Lawnsand PlayingSurfaces

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a):a public garden or lawn area; ora general or particular playing surface,

can be Watered as required but only inaccordance with an approved Water Use Plan.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b):a public garden or lawn area; ora general or particular playing surface,


(c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b):a public garden or lawn area; ora general or particular playing surface,


2. Using Water forAestheticPurposes

(a) Water cannot be used to fill or top up afountain or water feature unless the fountainor water feature recirculates the Water andthen only by means of:

a hand held hose, bucket or watering can;oran Automatic Water Top Up Device.

(a) Water cannot be used to fill or top up afountain or water feature at any time.



23.

Stage 1(Alert)

Stage 2(Save)


Stage 4(Critical)

(b) Water cannot be used to fill or top up anew or existing pond or lake with a capacity of2,000 litres or less except by means of a handheld hose, watering can or bucket.

(b) Water cannot be used to fill or top up a newpond or lake, regardless of capacity, at anytime.



(c) Water cannot be used to fill or top up a newor existing pond or lake with a capacity ofgreater than 2,000 litres except in accordancewith an approved Water Use Plan.

(c) Water cannot be used to fill or top up anexisting pond or lake, regardless of capacity,unless the relevant pond or lake sustainsaquatic fauna or bird life, and then onlyaccordance with an approved Water Use Plan.

(c) Water cannot be used to fill or top up anexisting pond or lake, regardless of capacity,unless the relevant pond or lake sustainsaquatic fauna or bird life, and then only inaccordance with an approved Water Use Plan.

(c) Water cannot be used to fill or top up anexisting pond or lake, regardless of capacity,unless the relevant pond or lake sustainsaquatic fauna or bird life, and then only inaccordance with an approved Water Use Plan.

(a) Water cannot be used to fill a new orexisting:

residential or commercial pool or spa; orpublic pool or spa,

with a capacity of 2,000 litres or less, except bymeans of:


(a) Water cannot be used to fill a new orexisting:

residential or commercial pool or spa;, orpublic pool or spa,

with a capacity of 2,000 litres or less, except bymeans of:


(a) Water cannot be used to fill a new orexisting residential or commercial pool or spaof any capacity.

(a) Water cannot be used to fill a new orexisting residential or commercial pool or spaof any capacity.

(b) Water cannot be used to fill a new orexisting:


with a capacity of greater than 2,000 litres,except in accordance with an approved WaterUse Plan.

(b) Water cannot be used to fill a new orexisting:


with a capacity of greater than 2,000 litres,except in accordance with an approved WaterUse Plan.

(b) Water cannot be used to fill a new orexisting public pool or spa, of any capacity,except in accordance with an approved WaterUse Plan.

(b) Water cannot be used to fill or top up anew or existing public pool or spa, of anycapacity, except in accordance with anapproved Water Use Plan.

3. Using Water inSwimming Poolsand Toys

(c) Water cannot be used to top up a new orexisting:


of any capacity, except by means of:a hand held hose, bucket or watering can;oran Automatic Water Top Up Device.

(c) Water cannot be used to top up a new orexisting:


of any capacity, except:between the hours of 6am and 8am and6pm and 8pm on alternate days by meansof a hand held hose, bucket or wateringcan; orby use of an Automatic Water Top UpDevice at any time; orin accordance with an approved WaterUse Plan.

(c) Water cannot be used to top up:an existing residential or commercial poolor spa; ora new or existing public pool or spa,

of any capacity, except:between the hours of 6am and 8am onalternate days by means of a hand heldhose, bucket or watering can; orby use of an Automatic Water Top UpDevice at any time; orin accordance with an approved WaterUse Plan.

(c)Water cannot be used to top up an existingresidential or commercial pool or spa of anycapacity, except by means of a bucket orwatering can.

24.

Stage 1(Alert)

Stage 2(Save)


Stage 4(Critical)

(d) Water cannot be used to fill or top up amobile spa except in accordance with anapproved Water Use Plan that is obtained bythe owner of the mobile spa.

(d) Water cannot be used to fill or top up amobile spa except in accordance with anapproved Water Use Plan that is obtained bythe owner of the mobile spa.

(d) Water cannot be used to fill or top up amobile spa at any time.

(d) Water cannot be used to fill or top up amobile spa at any time.

(e) Water cannot be used in or for the use of ahose connected water toy at any time.




(a) Water cannot be used to fill or top up a damor tank except:

where the Water in the dam or tank is tobe used :

for fire fighting, stock watering orother public health purposes butthen only to the extent which it isreasonably necessary for thosepurposes; orfor domestic purposes inside adwelling; orfor any other use of Waterpermitted by means of a hand heldhose under stage 1 restrictions; or

in accordance with an approved WaterUse Plan.


where the Water in the dam or tank is tobe used:











4. Storing orTransportingWater

(b) Water cannot be used to fill or top up awater tanker unless:

Western Water has granted a mobilewater tanker permit to the operator ofthat tanker; andthe tanker is supplying the Water to beused for :

for fire fighting, stock watering orother public health purposes butthen only to the extent which it isreasonably necessary for thosepurposes; orfor domestic purposes inside adwelling; orfor any other use of Waterpermitted by means of a hand heldhose under stage 1 restrictions.


Western Water has granted a mobilewater tanker permit to the operator ofthat tanker; andthe tanker is supplying the Water to beused for:








5. CleaningVehicles with

(a) Water cannot be used to clean a vehicle,except:

(a) Water cannot be used to clean a vehicleexcept:



25.

Stage 1(Alert)

Stage 2(Save)


Stage 4(Critical)

in the case of a vehicle being cleaned atthe premises of or by a motor vehicledealer, repairer or detailer, only inaccordance with paragraph (c); orin any other case by means of:

a high pressure water cleaningdevice; orif such a device is not available, ahand held hose, bucket or wateringcan; or

at a commercial car wash in accordancewith paragraph (d); orin the case of a vehicle for masstransportation, in accordance with anapproved Water Use Plan.

in the case of a vehicle being cleaned atthe premises of or by a motor vehicledealer, repairer or detailer, only inaccordance with paragraph (c); orin any other case by means of:

a high pressure water cleaningdevice; orif such a device is not available, ahand held hose, bucket or wateringcan; or


in the case of a vehicle being cleaned atthe premises of or by a motor vehicledealer, repairer or detailer, only inaccordance with paragraph (c); orin any other case by means of a bucket orwatering can and even then only to theextent it is necessary for:

health and safety reasons; orcleaning vehicle windows, mirrors,lights and registration plates; orspot removing corrosive substances,or

at a commercial car wash in accordancewith paragraph (d); orin the case of a vehicle that is used formass transportation, in accordance withan approved Water Use Plan.

by means of a bucket or watering can andeven then only to the extent it isnecessary for:

health and safety reasons; orcleaning vehicle windows, mirrors,lights and registration plates; orspot removing corrosive substances;or


(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), Water canbe used to clean inside a food transport vehicleif it is necessary, either to avoid contaminationof the vehicle�s contents or to ensure publichealth or safety, but only by means of a:

a high pressure water cleaning device; ora hand held hose, bucket or watering can.





(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), Water canbe used to clean inside a food transport vehicleif it is necessary, either to avoid contaminationof the vehicle�s contents, or to ensure publichealth or safety, but only by means of a:


(c) Water cannot be used at the premises of orby a motor vehicle dealer, repairer or detailerto clean a vehicle except:

by means of:a high pressure water cleaningdevice;a commercial car wash inaccordance with paragraph (d); ora bucket or watering can; or








(c) Not used.

Water

(d) Water cannot be used to wash vehicles at acommercial car wash unless:



(d) Water cannot be used to wash vehicles at acommercial car wash except by means of a

26.

Stage 1(Alert)

Stage 2(Save)


Stage 4(Critical)

for those car washes built prior to 1 July2012, no more than 100 litres of water isused for each vehicle washed; andfor those car washes built on or after 1July 2012, no more than 70 litres of wateris used for each vehicle washed; orthe use is in accordance with an approvedWater Use Plan.

for those car washes built prior to 1 July2012, no more than 100 litres of water isused for each vehicle washed; andfor those car washes built on or after 1July 2012, no more than 70 litres of wateris used for each vehicle washed; orthe use is in accordance with an approvedWater Use Plan.

the car wash uses no more than 70 litresof water, for each vehicle washed; orthe use is in accordance with an approvedWater Use Plan.

bucket or watering can and even then only tothe extent it is necessary for:

health and safety reasons; orcleaning vehicle windows, mirrors, lightsand registration plates; orspot removing corrosive substances

(e) Water cannot be used to flush the inboardor outboard motor of a boat or other vesselunless:

a suitable receptacle filled by a hand heldhose is used; ora flushing device, connected to a hose isused, and the tap is turned offimmediately after flushing is complete.







(a) Water cannot be used on hard surfaces orbuilding facades (including windows), except:

in the course of construction orrenovation but only as permitted underparagraph (c); orfor cleaning required as a result of anaccident, fire, health hazard, safetyhazard or other emergency and then onlyby means of:

a high pressure water cleaningdevice; orif such a device is not available, ahand held hose, bucket or wateringcan, or

in the case of building facades (includingwindows), for any other type of cleaning(not referred to above) and then only bymeans of a bucket or watering can.



a high pressure water cleaningdevice; orif such a device is not available, ahand held hose, bucket or wateringcan, or

In the case of building facades (includingwindows), for any other type of cleaningand then only by means of a bucket orwatering can.



a high pressure water cleaningdevice; orif such a device is not available, ahand held hose, bucket or wateringcan.



a high pressure water cleaningdevice;if such a device is not available, ahand held hose, bucket or wateringcan.

6. Using Water forOther Cleaningor MaintenancePurposes

(b) Water cannot be used to suppress dustunless the dust is causing or is likely to cause ahealth or environmental hazard, and then only:

by means of a hand held hose, bucket or


by means of a hand held hose, bucket or


(b) Water cannot be used to suppress dustunless:

there is no suitable alternative source ofwater available for use; and

27.

Stage 1(Alert)

Stage 2(Save)


Stage 4(Critical)

watering can; orwith Water from a water tanker filled ortopped up in accordance with restriction4(b); orin accordance with an approved WaterUse Plan.

watering can; orwith Water from a water tanker filled ortopped up in accordance with restriction4(b); orin accordance with an approved WaterUse Plan.

by means of a hand held hose, bucket orwatering can; orwith Water from a water tanker filled ortopped up in accordance with restriction4(b); orin accordance with an approved WaterUse Plan.

the dust is causing or is likely to cause ahealth or environmental hazard,

and then only:by means of a hand held hose, bucket orwatering can; orwith Water from a water tanker filled ortopped up in accordance with restriction4(b); orin accordance with an approved WaterUse Plan.

(c) Water cannot be used in the course ofconstruction or renovation except:

by means of a high pressure cleaningdevice, hand held hose, bucket orwatering can; orfor the suppression of dust in accordancewith paragraph (b); orfor construction equipment whichrequires a water supply for its safe andefficient operation; orif required in the normal course of initialtesting or flushing of: pipes; or otherworks.





(c) Water cannot be used, in the course ofconstruction or renovation except:


(a) Water cannot be used at:a commercial or Council plant nursery; ora commercial market garden,

except as required and then only by means of:a hand held hose, bucket or watering canat any time; ora watering system at any time.

(a) Water cannot be used at:a commercial or Council plant nursery; ora commercial market garden,

except as required and then only by means of:a hand held hose, bucket or watering canat any time; ora watering system at any time.

(a) Water cannot be used at a commercial orCouncil plant nursery, except as required andthen only:

by means of a hand held hose, bucket orwatering can at any time; orin accordance with an approved WaterUse Plan.

(a) Water cannot be used at a commercial orCouncil plant nursery, except as required andthen only:

by means of a hand held hose, bucket orwatering can at any time; orin accordance with an approved WaterUse Plan.

(b) Not used. (b) Not used. (b) Water cannot be used at a commercialmarket garden except as required and thenonly in accordance with an approved WaterUse Plan.

(b) Water cannot be used at a commercialmarket garden except as required and thenonly in accordance with an approved WaterUse Plan

7. Using Water forCommercialProduction ofPlants and/orAnimals:

(c) Water cannot be used for animal husbandryexcept for:

drinking by animals or birds; or







28.

Stage 1(Alert)

Stage 2(Save)


Stage 4(Critical)

cleaning animals or birds; orcleaning pens, yards and cages, and thenonly if cleaning is done by means of ahand held hose or bucket.




(d) Water cannot be used for cooling a shed ona commercial poultry farm except by means of:

sprinklers used only for cooling and thenonly between the hours of 6am and 9pmwhen the inside temperature of the shedis 30oC or higher; andfogging systems and cooling pads, whichmay be used at any time.




sprinklers used only for cooling and thenonly between the hours of 6am and 9pmwhen the inside temperature of the shedis 30oC or higher ; andfogging systems and cooling pads, whichmay be used at any time.



8. Other Uses Water must not be used for any Other Usewithout the prior written permission ofWestern Water.

Water must not be used for any Other Usewithout the prior written permission ofWestern Water.



29.

PART C � INDEX

Term Item Item number

Aircraft Cleaning Vehicles with Water 5

Animal Using Water for Commercial Production ofPlants and / or Animals

7

Animal husbandry Using Water for Commercial Production ofPlants and / or Animals

7

Bird Using Water for Commercial Production ofPlants and / or Animals

7

Boat Cleaning Vehicles with Water 5

Boat motor Cleaning Vehicles with Water 5

Building Using Water for Other Cleaning orMaintenance Purposes

6

Building facade Using Water for Other Cleaning orMaintenance Purposes

6

Car dealer Cleaning Vehicles with Water 5

Car wash Cleaning Vehicles with Water 5

Commercial carwash

Cleaning Vehicles with Water 5

Commercial garden Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1

Commercial lawn Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1

Commercial marketgarden

Using Water for Commercial Production ofPlants and / or Animals

7

Commercial plantnursery


7

Commercial pool orspa

Using Water in Swimming Pools and Toys 3

Commercial poultryfarm


7

Construction Using Water for Other Cleaning orMaintenance Purposes

6

Courtyard Using Water for Other Cleaning orMaintenance Purposes

6

Dam Storing or Transporting Water 4

Dust Using Water for Other Cleaning orMaintenance Purposes

6

Driveway Using Water for Other Cleaning orMaintenance Purposes

6

30.

Emergency Using Water for Other Cleaning orMaintenance Purposes

6

Farm Using Water for Commercial Production ofPlants and / or Animals

7

Food transportvehicle

Cleaning Vehicles with Water 5

Fountain Using Water for Aesthetic Purposes 2

Garden Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1


7

Grass Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1


7

Hard surface Using Water for Other Cleaning orMaintenance Purposes

6

Hazard Using water for Other Cleaning orMaintenance Purposes

6

Lake Using Water for Aesthetic Purposes 2

Lawn Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1


7

Market garden Using Water for Commercial Production ofPlants and / or Animals

7

Mobile spa Using Water in Swimming Pools and Toys 3

Motor vehicle Cleaning Vehicles with Water 5

Motor vehicledealer

Cleaning Vehicles with Water

Municipal pool Using Water in Swimming Pools and Toys 3

Nursery Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1


7

Ornamental pool Using Water for Aesthetic Purposes 2

Oval Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1

Park Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1

Using Water for Aesthetic Purposes 2

Paving Using Water for Other Cleaning orMaintenance Purposes

6

Playing surface Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing surfaces 1

Pond Using Water for Aesthetic Purposes 2

31.

Pool Using Water for Aesthetic Purposes 2


Storing or Transporting Water 4

Poultry farm Using Water for Commercial Production ofPlants and/ or Animals

7

Public garden Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1

Public lawn Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1

Residential garden Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1

Residential lawn Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1

Roof Using Water for Other Cleaning orMaintenance Purposes

6

School Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1


Spa Using Water in Swimming Pools and Toys 3

Sportsground Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1

Sporting club Watering Gardens, Lawns and Playing Surfaces 1


Swimming pool Using Water in Swimming Pools and Toys 3

Storing or Transporting Water 4

Tank Storing or Transporting Water

Tanker Storing or Transporting Water 4

Cleaning Vehicles With Water 5

Toy Using Water in Swimming Pools and Toys 3

Vehicle Cleaning Vehicles with Water 5

Wading pool Using Water in Swimming Pools and Spas 3

Wall Using Water for Other Cleaning orMaintenance Purposes

6

Water feature Using Water for Aesthetic Purposes 2

Water toy Using Water in Swimming Pools and Toys 3

Window Using Water for Other Cleaning orMaintenance Purposes

6

Western Water's Drought Response Plan

Documents

Transcript of Western Water's Drought Response Plan